Magnetic stimulation coils and ferromagnetic components for reduced surface stimulation and improved treatment depth

ABSTRACT

A TMS device may include treatment coils and ferromagnetic components that are configured to be disposed proximate to corresponding ones of the treatment coils. The treatment coils and ferromagnetic components of the TMS device may cooperatively generate a magnetic field that exhibits one or more characteristics that differ from those of a magnetic field that is generated by the treatment coils alone. For example, the magnetic field may exhibit lower induced electrical stimulation intensity in the cranial nerves, while substantially maintaining a penetration depth into the subject&#39;s brain. In another example, the magnetic field may exhibit increased penetration depth into the subject&#39;s brain, while substantially maintaining induced electrical stimulation intensity in the cranial nerves. The TMS device may be configured to be adjustable and/or reconfigurable, for instance with respect to the anatomy of a subject (e.g., to the shape of the subject&#39;s head).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/814,537, filed Nov. 16, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/155,445, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,894,301, on Dec. 26, 2017, which is incorporated by reference hereinas if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

A number of medical ailments may be treated and/or diagnosed through theapplication of a magnetic field to an afflicted portion of a humansubject's body. Neurons and muscle cells are a form of biologicalcircuitry that carry electrical signals and respond to electromagneticstimuli. When a changing magnetic field is applied to a portion of thebody, neurons may be depolarized and stimulated. Muscles associated withthe stimulated neurons can contract as though the neurons were firing bynormal causes.

A nerve cell or neuron can be stimulated in a number of ways, forexample transcutaneously via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).TMS typically uses a rapidly changing (e.g., pulsed) magnetic field toinduce a current in a nerve cell, without having to cut or penetrate theskin, or apply electrodes. The nerve is said to “fire” when a membranepotential within the nerve rises above a threshold voltage with respectto its normal ambient level (e.g., approximately −90 millivolts,depending on the type of nerve and local pH of the surrounding tissue).

Magnetic stimulation has proven effective in stimulating regions of thebrain, which is composed predominantly of neurological tissue. One areaof particular interest is the treatment of depression. Repetitivetranscranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to havesignificant anti-depressant effects for human subjects that do notrespond to the traditional methods. A typical rTMS treatment may includeapplication of a subconvulsive stimulation to an area of a subject'sbrain, for example the prefrontal cortex, in a repetitive, non-invasivemanner. Such a treatment may cause a depolarization of cortical neuronmembranes. The membranes may be depolarized, for example, by theinduction of small electric fields in excess of 1 V/cm that may begenerated by a rapidly changing magnetic field.

Typical TMS treatment apparatuses generate pulsed magnetic fields thatinduce currents in electrically sensitive cells (e.g., nerve cells orneurons). These induced currents typically form a complete circuit inthe body, such that a path of zero current through the body is created.The currents induced by a TMS treatment apparatus typically drop off tozero in approximately the middle of this path. The rate of this currentdrop off may be slowed, for example by spreading the current densitygenerated the TMS apparatus over a wide surface area. However, employingthis approach may concentrate return currents, which may lead to higherrates of undesirable side effects (e.g., the stimulation of untargetedregions of a subject's brain).

A typical TMS treatment apparatus may include one or more electricallyconductive stimulating coils. Such coils may be configured (e.g., wound)in a single layer, such that the coils may be disposed as close aspossible to the tissue that is to be stimulated. Such coils may becapable of stimulating brain tissue at a desirable depth relative to theskull. However, the magnetic field, or fields, typically generated bysuch coils may cause an undesirably high level of surface stimulation(e.g., of nerves near the surface of the skull).

SUMMARY

As described herein, example TMS devices may include one or moretreatment coils and one or more ferromagnetic components that areconfigured to be disposed proximate to corresponding ones of the one ormore treatment coils. The one or more treatment coils and ferromagneticcomponents of each TMS device may cooperatively generate a magneticfield that exhibits one or more characteristics that differ from thoseof a magnetic field that is generated by the one or more treatment coilsalone.

In an example TMS device, such as one of the example TMS devicesdescribed herein, is operated without the one or more ferromagneticcomponents, a first magnetic field generated by the example TMS devicemay exhibit characteristics that may include, for example, variableelectrical stimulation intensities at various locations in acorresponding first volume of stimulated tissue, a first penetrationdepth (e.g., into a subject's brain), and a first electric fieldfocality. The variable electrical stimulation intensities may include,for example, a first electrical stimulation intensity at a firstlocation in or on the subject that is near an outer surface of thesubject (e.g., at the surface of the subject's scalp, proximate tocranial nerves) and a second electrical stimulation intensity at asecond location second location in the subject (e.g., in the subject'sbrain) that is spaced inwardly from the first location. The firstmagnetic field may exhibit a first gradient of magnetic field strengththat may be representative of a ratio of respective electrical fieldintensities induced by the first magnetic field at the first and secondlocations.

When the example TMS device is operated with the one or moreferromagnetic components attached to the corresponding one or moretreatment coils, the treatment coils and the ferromagnetic componentsmay cooperatively generate a second magnetic field that may exhibitcharacteristics that may differ from those of the first magnetic field,and that may include, for example, variable electrical stimulationintensities at various locations in a corresponding second volume ofstimulated tissue, a second penetration depth, and a second electricfield focality. The variable electrical stimulation intensities mayinclude, for example, a third electrical stimulation intensity at thefirst location in the subject's brain and a fourth electricalstimulation intensity at the second location in the subject's brain. Thesecond magnetic field may exhibit a second gradient of magnetic fieldstrength that may be representative of a ratio of respective electricalfield intensities induced by the second magnetic field at the first andsecond locations.

The one or more ferromagnetic components may be configured such thatwhen the TMS device is operated with the one or more ferromagneticcomponents attached to the corresponding one or more treatment coils,cooperative operation of the one or more ferromagnetic components andthe one or more treatment coils causes the second gradient of magneticfield strength to differ from the first gradient of magnetic fieldstrength gradient. For example, the one or more ferromagnetic componentsmay be configured such that the second gradient of magnetic fieldstrength is less than the first gradient of magnetic field strength.

When the TMS example device is operated with the one or moreferromagnetic components attached to the corresponding one or moretreatment coils, the penetration depth of the second magnetic fieldgenerated by the example TMS device may effectively be maintained or maybe improved (e.g., increased) relative of that of the first magneticfield, and surface electrical stimulation intensity caused by the secondmagnetic field may effectively be maintained, or may be reduced relativeof that of the first magnetic field.

For example, the electrical stimulation intensity exhibited by thesecond magnetic field at the first location (e.g., the third electricalstimulation intensity) may be lower than the electrical stimulationintensity exhibited by the first magnetic field at the same location(e.g., the first electrical stimulation intensity), while the electricalstimulation intensity exhibited by the second magnetic field at thesecond location (e.g., the fourth electrical stimulation intensity) maybe effectively the same as the electrical stimulation intensityexhibited by the first magnetic field at the same location (e.g., thesecond electrical stimulation intensity).

In another example, the electrical stimulation intensity exhibited bythe second magnetic field at the first location (e.g., the thirdelectrical stimulation intensity) may effectively the same as theelectrical stimulation intensity exhibited by the first magnetic fieldat the same location (e.g., the first electrical stimulation intensity).The electrical stimulation intensity exhibited by the second magneticfield at the second location (e.g., the fourth electrical stimulationintensity) may be greater than the electrical stimulation intensityexhibited by the first magnetic field at the same location (e.g., thesecond electrical stimulation intensity).

The amount of energy used by a TMS device (e.g., during TMS treatment)may be reduced if the TMS device includes one or more ferromagneticcomponents. This may mitigate temperature rise in one or more treatmentcoils of the TMS device.

Example TMS devices may be configured to be adjustable and/orreconfigurable to conform to one or more locations where TMS treatmentwill be applied, for instance in accordance with an anatomy of thesubject (e.g., to conform to the subject's head).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts an example transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)device.

FIG. 1B depicts components of the TMS device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A depicts another example TMS device.

FIG. 2B depicts components of the TMS device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A depicts another example TMS device.

FIG. 3B depicts components of the TMS device of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts another example TMS device.

FIG. 4B depicts components of the TMS device of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A depicts another example TMS device.

FIG. 5B depicts components of the TMS device of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A depicts another example TMS device.

FIG. 6B depicts components of the TMS device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C depicts an example distribution of electrical field currentsthat may be induced by the example TMS device depicted in FIGS. 6A and6B.

FIG. 6D depicts another example distribution of electrical fieldcurrents that may be induced by the example TMS device depicted in FIGS.6A and 6B.

FIG. 7A depicts another example TMS device.

FIG. 7B depicts components of the TMS device of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C depicts an example distribution of electrical field currentsthat may be induced by the example TMS device depicted in FIGS. 7A and7B.

FIG. 7D depicts another example distribution of electrical fieldcurrents that may be induced by the example TMS device depicted in FIGS.7A and 7B.

FIG. 8A depicts another example TMS device.

FIG. 8B depicts components of the TMS device of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 depicts an example adjustable TMS device.

FIG. 10 depicts another example adjustable TMS device.

FIG. 11 depicts an example distribution of electrical field currentsthat may be induced by an example adjustable TMS device, wherein theinduced electrical field exhibits a saddle point.

FIG. 12 depicts another example TMS device.

FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram depicting an example TMS system.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an example TMS treatment process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a human subject 50 and an example transcranialmagnetic stimulation (TMS) device 100 that is configured to generate achanging magnetic field in a target anatomy of a subject 50. The subject50 may be, for example, a TMS patient. The target anatomy of the subject50 may be, for example, brain tissue of the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 100 includes a treatment coil 110 and aferromagnetic component 130. The TMS device 100 may be disposedproximate to the head 52 of the subject 50 in preparation for or duringTMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 1A.

The treatment coil 110 may include one or more windings 112, such as aplurality of windings 112. As shown, the treatment coil 110 has aplurality of windings 112 that includes six windings 112 a-112 f Itshould be appreciated that the treatment coil 110 may include more orfewer windings 112.

The treatment coil 110 may be fabricated from a monolithic piece ofmaterial. For example, a length of material (e.g., wire) may becontinuously wound so as to define the plurality of windings 112. Thewindings 112, for example one or more of the windings 112 a-112 f, maybe separately fabricated and supported relative to each other, forexample attached to each other using one or more attachment members (notshown). A plurality of windings 112 that are separately fabricated maybe placed in electrical communication with one another, for exampleusing one or more electrically conductive attachment members thatinterconnect respective ones of the windings 112.

The windings 112 may define any suitable shapes, for example theillustrated semi-elliptical shapes. As shown, each winding 112 definesan arc-shaped front segment 114 that may be disposed proximate the frontof the subject's head 52, an opposed arc-shaped rear segment 116 thatmay be disposed proximate the rear of the subject's head 52, and opposedside segments 118 that connect corresponding ends of the front and rearsegments 114, 116, respectively, and that may be disposed alongcorresponding sides of the subject's head 52. The side segments 118 maybe substantially straight (e.g., straight or slightly curved). Thefront, rear, and/or side segments 114, 116, 118 may be configured toconform to corresponding portions of the subject's head 52. As shown,the rear segment 116 of each winding 112 is longer than thecorresponding front segment 114, such that each winding 112 is taperedalong a direction from the rear segment 116 toward the front segment114.

Each winding 112 may define a respective length, for example as definedby a perimeter of the winding 112 and measured along a central axisthrough the winding 112. Respective ones of the plurality of windings112 may have the same or different lengths. Each winding 112 may defineany suitable cross-section along its length (e.g., perpendicular to itscentral axis), such as circular. The treatment coil 110, including oneor more of the windings 112 a-112 f, may be made of any material thatexhibits suitable electrical conductivity, such as copper.

Respective ones of the windings 112 may have the same or differentshapes. The illustrated windings 112 a-112 f have substantially the sameshape relative to one another, but exhibit sequentially increasinglengths from an uppermost winding 112 a to a lowermost winding 112EStated differently, the winding 112 a may have a first length, thewinding 112 b may define a profile that is the same as or similar tothat of the winding 112 a, and may have a second length that is longerthan the first length, the winding 112 c may define a profile that isthe same as or similar to those of the windings 112 a and 112 b, and mayhave a third length that is longer than the second length, and so on.The uppermost winding 112 a may be referred to as an innermost windingof the plurality of windings 112, and the lowermost winding 112 f may bereferred to as an outermost winding of the plurality of windings 112.

The windings 112 a-112 f may be configured such that a spacing fromwinding to winding (e.g., between adjacent windings 112) remains uniformor varies. For example, the spacing between the windings 112 a-112 f maybe defined by the respective lengths, shapes, positioning, etc., of thewindings 112 a-112 f. As shown, the windings 112 a-112 f of thetreatment coil 110 are centered on an axis A1 that extends through thesubject's head 52. The axis A1 may, for example, extend along a verticaldirection (e.g., a craniocaudal direction) and may pass through a pointin the subject's head 52 (e.g., a medially located point).

The treatment coil 110 may be configured to define a coil geometry thatconforms to a region of the subject's head 52. For example, two or moreof the windings 112 a-112 f may be spaced from each other verticallysuch that the coil geometry of the treatment coil 110 may be concavewith respect to the subject's head 52. As shown, the treatment coil 110defines a concave, band-shaped coil geometry that encircles a portion ofthe subject's head 52.

The TMS device 100 may include a ferromagnetic component 130. Theferromagnetic component 130 may be configured to change one or morecharacteristics of a magnetic field that is generated by the treatmentcoil 110. As shown, the ferromagnetic component 130 may be locatedproximate to the treatment coil 110. The ferromagnetic component 130 maybe made of any material that exhibits suitable ferromagnetic properties,such as powdered ferromagnetic iron particles.

The ferromagnetic component 130 may define any suitable shape, forexample the illustrated semi-elliptical, band shape. As shown, theferromagnetic component 130 defines an upper end 131 and an opposedlower end 133 that is spaced from the upper end 131. The ferromagneticcomponent 130 defines a front section 132 that may be disposed proximatethe front of the subject's head 52, an opposed rear section 134 that maybe disposed proximate the rear of the subject's head 52, and opposedside sections 136 that extend from the front section 132 to the rearsection 134. The side sections 136 may be disposed along correspondingsides of the subject's head 52.

The ferromagnetic component 130 may define an inner surface 137 thatfaces the subject's head 52 and that is configured to at least partiallyconform to corresponding portions of the treatment coil 110 a and/or toa corresponding portion of the subject's head 52. The inner surface 137,for example as defined by the front, rear, and side sections 132, 134,136, may define a shape with proportions that are substantially similarto (e.g., slightly larger than) those of a corresponding portion of thesubject's head 52.

The ferromagnetic component 130 may be configured to at least partiallyreceive the treatment coil 110, such that the ferromagnetic component130 is positioned proximate to a portion of the treatment coil 110. Forexample, the ferromagnetic component 130 may define a recess 138 thatextends into the inner surface 137 of the ferromagnetic component 130and that is configured to receive at least a portion of the treatmentcoil 110. The recess 138 may be configured to receive one or more of theplurality of windings 112. When the treatment coil 110 is disposed inthe recess 138, for example as shown in FIG. 1A, the ferromagneticcomponent 130 may at least partially surround respective portions of theplurality of windings 112. Portions of the front, rear, and sidesections 132, 134, and 136, for example that define the recess 138, maydefine a shape that is similar to (e.g., effectively the same as) one ormore corresponding windings 112.

The ferromagnetic component 130 may define one or more openings that mayexpose corresponding portions of the subject's head 52, for example topromote cooling during TMS treatment. As shown, the ferromagneticcomponent 130 defines an opening 139 that extends therethrough. Theillustrated opening 139 is located at the upper end 131 of theferromagnetic component 130. It should be appreciated that theferromagnetic component 130 may be configured to define more or feweropenings. For example, the ferromagnetic component 130 may be configuredto define a plurality of openings therethrough, or may be configuredwith no opening therethrough (e.g., configured with a dome-like shape).

The TMS device 100 may be configured such that the treatment coil 110and the ferromagnetic component 130 are supported relative to eachother. For example, the TMS device 100 may be configured such that theferromagnetic component 130 supports the treatment coil 110 (e.g., inthe recess 138). One or both of the treatment coil 110 and theferromagnetic component 130 may include one or more complementaryattachment members (not shown) that are configured to enable attachment(e.g., releasable attachment) of the treatment coil 110 to theferromagnetic component 130. The one or more attachment members may beconfigured such that the treatment coil 110 and the ferromagneticcomponent 130 are fixedly supported relative to each other (e.g., in theconfiguration depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The one or more attachmentmembers may be configured such that the treatment coil 110 and theferromagnetic component 130 are movable (e.g., repositionable) relativeto each other.

When the treatment coil 110 is supported by (e.g., attached to) theferromagnetic component 130, the treatment coil 110 may be electricallyisolated from the ferromagnetic component 130, for example using adielectric. As shown, the dielectric may be air, and the plurality ofwindings 112 may be spaced from the inner surface 137 of theferromagnetic component 130 when the treatment coil 110 is attached tothe ferromagnetic component 130 (e.g., disposed in the recess 138). Thetreatment coil 110 may be attached to the ferromagnetic component 130using one or more attachment members that are made of any suitableelectrically isolating (e.g., dielectric) material. As depicted in FIG.1A, when the treatment coil 110 is disposed in the recess 138 of theferromagnetic component 130, the treatment coil 110 may be at leastpartially enclosed by the ferromagnetic component 130.

The TMS device 100, for example as configured and oriented relative to asubject 50 as depicted in FIG. 1A, may be operated to cause thegeneration of a magnetic field in the subject's brain that may exhibitgreater intensity in a band shaped region of relatively distributedintensity in the subject's brain than in an upper portion of thesubject's brain. When the TMS device 100 is oriented relative to thesubject 50 as shown, the magnetic field may be distributed so as to besimultaneously resident in both the first and second hemispheres of thesubject's brain.

When the TMS device 100 is oriented as depicted in FIG. 1A, thetreatment coil 110 may define induced current return paths that areclose to the subject's head 52. This may assist with the driving of thereturn currents, and may improve the efficiency of the TMS device 100.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 100 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 100 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portion of the magnetic fieldthat exhibits greater intensity is localized in a different location ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in the subject'sbrain).

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 200that is configured to generate a changing magnetic field in a targetanatomy of the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMSpatient. The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, braintissue of the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 200 includes a treatment coil 210 and aferromagnetic component 230. The TMS device 200 may be disposedproximate to the head 52 of the subject 50 in preparation for or duringTMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 2A.

The treatment coil 210 may include one or more windings 212, such as aplurality of windings 212. As shown, the treatment coil 210 has aplurality of windings 212 that includes seven windings 212 a-212 g. Itshould be appreciated that the treatment coil 210 may include more orfewer windings 212.

The treatment coil 210 may be fabricated from a monolithic piece ofmaterial. For example, a length of material (e.g., wire) may becontinuously wound so as to define the plurality of windings 212. Thewindings 212, for example one or more of the windings 212 a-212 g, maybe separately fabricated and supported relative to each other, forexample attached to each other using one or more attachment members (notshown). A plurality of windings 212 that are separately fabricated maybe placed in electrical communication with one another, for exampleusing one or more electrically conductive attachment members thatinterconnect respective ones of the windings 212.

The windings 212 may define any suitable shapes, for example theillustrated circular and/or semi-elliptical shapes. As shown, thewinding 212 a has a circular shape and each of the windings 212 b-212 gdefines an arc-shaped front segment 214 that may be disposed proximatethe front of the subject's head 52, an opposed arc-shaped rear segment216 that may be disposed proximate the rear of the subject's head 52,and opposed side segments 218 that connect corresponding ends of thefront and rear segments 214, 216, respectively, and that may be disposedalong corresponding sides of the subject's head 52. The side segments218 may be substantially straight (e.g., straight or slightly curved).The front, rear, and/or side segments 214, 216, 218 may be configured toconform to corresponding portions of the subject's head 52. As shown,the rear segment 216 of each of the windings 212 b-212 g is longer thanthe corresponding front segment 214, such that each of the windings 212b-212 g is tapered along a direction from the rear segment 216 towardthe front segment 214.

Each winding 212 may define a respective length, for example as definedby a perimeter of the winding 212 and measured along a central axisthrough the winding 212. Respective ones of the plurality of windings212 may have the same or different lengths. Each winding 212 may defineany suitable cross-section along its length (e.g., perpendicular to itscentral axis), such as circular. The treatment coil 210, including oneor more of the windings 212 a-212 g, may be made of any material thatexhibits suitable electrical conductivity, such as copper.

Respective ones of the windings 212 may have the same or differentshapes. As shown, an uppermost winding 212 a has a circular shape thatdiffers from the windings 212 b-212 g. The winding 212 a has a shorterlength than the windings 212 b-212 g. The windings 212 b-212 g havesubstantially the same shape relative to one another, but exhibitsequentially increasing lengths from the winding 212 b to a lowermostwinding 212 g. Stated differently, the winding 212 b may have a firstlength, the winding 212 c may define a profile that is the same as orsimilar to that of the winding 212 b, and may have a second length thatis longer than the first length, the winding 212 d may define a profilethat is the same as or similar to those of the windings 212 b and 212 c,and may have a third length that is longer than the second length, andso on. The uppermost winding 212 a may be referred to as an innermostwinding of the plurality of windings 212, and the lowermost winding 212g may be referred to as an outermost winding of the plurality ofwindings 212.

The windings 212 a-112 g may be configured such that a spacing fromwinding to winding (e.g., between adjacent windings 212) remains uniformor varies. For example, the spacing between the windings 212 a-212 g maybe defined by the respective lengths, shapes, positioning etc., of thewindings 212 a-212 g. As shown, the windings 212 a-212 g may be centeredon respective axes A2-A8 that extend through the subject's head 52 andthat are angularly offset relative to each other, such that therespective front segments 214 of the windings 212 may be spaced closertogether than the respective rear segments 216. Stated differently, thewindings 212 a-212 g may be spaced further apart from each other at theback of the subject's head 52 than at the front of the subject's head52. The axes A2-A8 may pass through a common point P1 in the subject'shead 52 (e.g., a medially located point). The respective angular offsetsbetween adjacent ones of the axes A2-A8 may be the same or different.

The treatment coil 210 may be configured to define a coil geometry thatconforms to a region of the subject's head 52. For example, two or moreof the windings 212 a-212 g may be spaced from each other verticallysuch that the coil geometry of the treatment coil 210 may be concavewith respect to the subject's head 52. As shown, the treatment coil 210defines an ovoid, dome-shaped coil geometry that encircles an upperregion of the subject's head 52.

The TMS device 200 may include a ferromagnetic component 230. Theferromagnetic component 230 may be configured to change one or morecharacteristics of a magnetic field that is generated by the treatmentcoil 210. As shown, the ferromagnetic component 230 may be locatedproximate to the treatment coil 210. The ferromagnetic component 230 maybe made of any material that exhibits suitable ferromagnetic properties,such as powdered ferromagnetic iron particles.

The ferromagnetic component 230 may define any suitable shape, forexample the illustrated ovoid dome shape. The ferromagnetic component230 may define an interior volume that is shaped to at least partiallyconform to a corresponding portion of the subject's head 52. Theinterior volume of the ferromagnetic component 230 may have proportionsthat are substantially similar to (e.g., slightly larger than) those ofa corresponding portion of the subject's head 52. The ferromagneticcomponent 230 may define an inner surface (not shown) that faces thesubject's head 52 and that is configured to at least partially conformto corresponding portions of the treatment coil 210 a and/or to acorresponding portion of the subject's head 52. The inner surface maydefine the interior volume of the ferromagnetic component 230.

The ferromagnetic component 230 may be configured to at least partiallyreceive the treatment coil 210, such that the ferromagnetic component230 is positioned proximate to a portion of the treatment coil 210. Forexample, the ferromagnetic component 230 may define a recess (not shown)that extends into the inner surface of the ferromagnetic component 230.The recess may be configured to receive one or more of the plurality ofwindings 212. When the treatment coil 210 is disposed in the recess, forexample as shown in FIG. 2A, the ferromagnetic component 230 may atleast partially surround respective portions of the plurality ofwindings 212. Portions of the ferromagnetic component 230, for examplethat define the recess, may have a shape that is similar to (e.g.,effectively the same as) one or more corresponding windings 212.

The TMS device 200 may be configured such that the treatment coil 210and the ferromagnetic component 230 are supported relative to eachother. For example, the TMS device 200 may be configured such that theferromagnetic component 230 supports the treatment coil 210 (e.g., inthe recess). One or both of the treatment coil 210 and the ferromagneticcomponent 230 may include one or more complementary attachment members(not shown) that are configured to enable attachment (e.g., releasableattachment) of the treatment coil 210 to the ferromagnetic component230. The one or more attachment members may be configured such that thetreatment coil 210 and the ferromagnetic component 230 are fixedlysupported relative to each other (e.g., in the configuration depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B). The one or more attachment members may be configuredsuch that the treatment coil 210 and the ferromagnetic component 230 aremovable (e.g., repositionable) relative to each other.

When the treatment coil 210 is supported by (e.g., attached to) theferromagnetic component 230, the treatment coil 210 may be electricallyisolated from the ferromagnetic component 230, for example using adielectric. The dielectric may be air, and the plurality of windings 212may be spaced from the inner surface of the ferromagnetic component 230when the treatment coil 210 is attached to the ferromagnetic component230. The treatment coil 210 may be attached to the ferromagneticcomponent 230 using one or more attachment members that are made of anysuitable electrically isolating (e.g., dielectric) material. As depictedin FIG. 2A, when the treatment coil 210 is received in the ferromagneticcomponent 230, the treatment coil 210 may be at least partially enclosedby the ferromagnetic component 230.

The TMS device 200, for example as configured and oriented relative to asubject as depicted in FIG. 2A, may be operated to cause the generationof a magnetic field in the subject's brain that may exhibit greaterintensity in a frontal region of the subject's brain than in a dorsalregion of the subject's brain, for example if the TMS device 200 ispositioned relative to a subject as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Whenthe TMS device 200 is oriented relative to the subject 50 as shown, themagnetic field may be distributed so as to be simultaneously resident inboth the first and second hemispheres of the subject's brain.

When the TMS device 200 is oriented as depicted in FIG. 2A, thetreatment coil 210 may define current return paths that are close to thesubject's head 52. This may assist with the driving of the returncurrents, and may improve the efficiency of the TMS device 200. Theillustrated treatment coil 210 may spread induced return currentsgenerated by the TMS device 200, for example spreading the returncurrents in the subject's head 52. Spreading the induced return currentsmay reduce side effects of TMS treatment, such as the stimulation ofuntargeted regions of the subject's brain. For example, the treatmentcoil 210 may move the return currents to reduce exposure of the parietallobe of the subject's brain to the return currents. This may beaccomplished, for example, by configuring the treatment coil 210 suchthat the bulk of the return currents are moved into the occipital lobe,or such that the bulk of the return currents are spread across theparietal lobe and the occipital lobe.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 200 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 200 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portion of the magnetic fieldthat exhibits greater intensity is localized in a different location ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in the subject'sbrain).

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 300that is configured to generate a changing magnetic field in a targetanatomy of the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMSpatient. The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, braintissue of the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 300 includes a first treatment coil 310 a, asecond treatment coil 310 b, a first ferromagnetic component 330 a, anda second ferromagnetic component 330 b. The TMS device 300 may bedisposed proximate to the head 52 of the subject 50 in preparation foror during TMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 3A.

The first and second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b may each include oneor more windings 312, such as respective pluralities of windings 312.The first and second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b may include the sameor different numbers of windings 312. As shown, the first treatment coil310 a includes a first plurality of windings 312 that includes fivewindings 312 a-312 e, and the second treatment coil 310 b includes asecond plurality of windings 312 that includes five windings 312 f-312j. It should be appreciated that one or both of the first and secondtreatment coils 310 a, 310 b may include more or fewer windings 312,and/or may include windings 312 having the same or different geometries,radial spacing, and so on.

One or both of the first and second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b may befabricated from respective monolithic pieces of material. For example, afirst length of material (e.g., a metal strip) may be continuously woundso as to define the first plurality of windings 312 that correspond tothe first treatment coil 310 a and a second length of material (e.g., ametal strip) may be continuously wound so as to define the secondplurality of windings 312 that correspond to the second treatment coil310 b. The windings 312, for example one or more of the windings 312a-312 j, may be separately fabricated and supported relative to eachother, for example attached to each other using one or more attachmentmembers (not shown). A plurality of windings 312 that are separatelyfabricated may be placed in electrical communication with one another,for example using one or more electrically conductive attachment membersthat interconnect respective ones of the plurality of windings 312.

Each winding 312 may define a respective length, for example as definedby a perimeter of the winding 312 and measured along a central axisthrough the winding 312. Respective ones of the first and/or secondpluralities of windings 312 may have the same or different lengths. Eachwinding 312 may define any suitable cross-section along its length(e.g., perpendicular to its central axis), such as rectangular. One orboth of the first and second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b, including oneor more of the windings 312 a-312 e and 312 f-312 j, respectively, maybe made of any material that exhibits suitable electrical conductivity,such as copper.

The windings 312 may define any suitable shapes, for example theillustrated circular shapes. Respective ones of the windings 312 mayhave the same or different shapes. As shown, the windings 312 a-312 e ofthe first treatment coil 310 a have substantially the same circularshape relative to one another, but exhibit sequentially increasinglengths from an uppermost winding 312 a to a lowermost winding 312 e.The uppermost winding 312 a may be referred to as an innermost windingof the first treatment coil 310 a and the lowermost winding 312 e may bereferred to as an outermost winding of the first treatment coil 310 a.The second treatment coil 310 b may be constructed the same as the firsttreatment coil 310 a, such that the windings 312 f-312 j exhibitsequentially increasing lengths from an uppermost winding 312 f to alowermost winding 312 j. The uppermost winding 312 f may be referred toas an innermost winding of the second treatment coil 310 b and thelowermost winding 312 j may be referred to as an outermost winding ofthe second treatment coil 310 b.

The windings 312 a-312 e of the first treatment coil 310 a and/or thewindings 312 f-312 j of the second treatment coil 310 b may beconfigured such that a spacing from winding to winding (e.g., betweenadjacent windings 312) remains uniform or varies. For example, thespacing between the windings 312 a-312 e and/or the spacing between thewindings 312 f-312 j may be defined by the respective lengths, shapes,positioning, etc., of the windings 312 a-312 j. As shown, the windings312 a-312 e of the first treatment coil 310 a are centered on an axis A9that extends through the subject's head 52. The windings 312 f-312 j ofthe second treatment coil 310 b are centered on an axis A10 that extendsthrough the subject's head 52 and that is angularly offset relative tothe first axis A9. The axes A9 and A10 may pass through a common pointP2 in the subject's head 52 (e.g., a medially located point).

One or both of the first and second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b may beconfigured to define coil geometries that conform to respective regionsof the subject's head 52. For example, two or more of the windings 312a-312 e of the first treatment coil 310 a may be spaced from each othervertically such that the coil geometry of the first treatment coil 310 amay be concave with respect to the subject's head 52. Two or more of thewindings 312 f-312 j of the second treatment coil 310 b may be spacedfrom each other vertically such that the coil geometry of the secondtreatment coil 310 b may be concave with respect to the subject's head52. As shown, the first and second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b definerespective concave, saucer-shaped coil geometries that encirclerespective portions of the subject's head 52.

The TMS device 300 may include a first ferromagnetic component 330 athat corresponds to the first treatment coil 310 a and a secondferromagnetic component 330 b that corresponds to the second treatmentcoil 310 b. The first and second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 bmay be configured to change one or more characteristics of a magneticfield that is generated by the first and second treatment coils 310 a,310 b. As shown, the first ferromagnetic component 330 a may be locatedproximate to the first treatment coil 310 a and the second ferromagneticcomponent 330 b may be located proximate to the second treatment coil310 b. The first and second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b may bemade of any material that exhibits suitable ferromagnetic properties,such as powdered ferromagnetic iron particles.

The first and second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b may defineany suitable shapes, and may have the same or different shapes. Asshown, the first and second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b havesaucer-like shapes. One or both of the first and second ferromagneticcomponents 330 a, 330 b may define respective inner surfaces (not shown)that face the subject's head 52 and that may be configured to at leastpartially conform to corresponding portions of the first and secondtreatment coils 310 a, 310 b, respectively and/or to correspondingportions of the subject's head 52.

The first ferromagnetic component 330 a may be configured to at leastpartially receive the first treatment coil 310 a, such that the firstferromagnetic component 330 a is positioned proximate to a portion ofthe first treatment coil 310 a. For example, the inner surface of thefirst ferromagnetic component 330 a may be configured to receive one ormore of the windings 312 a-312 e. The second ferromagnetic component 330b may be configured to at least partially receive the second treatmentcoil 310 b, such that the second ferromagnetic component 330 b ispositioned proximate to a portion of the second treatment coil 310 b.For example, the inner surface of the second ferromagnetic component 330b may be configured to receive one or more of the windings 312 f-312 j.

When the first treatment coil 310 a is disposed proximate the innersurface of the first ferromagnetic component 330 a, for example as shownin FIG. 3A, the first ferromagnetic component 330 a may at leastpartially surround respective portions of the first plurality ofwindings 312. When the second treatment coil 310 b is disposed proximatethe inner surface of the second ferromagnetic component 330 b, forexample as shown in FIG. 3A, the second ferromagnetic component 330 bmay at least partially surround respective portions of the secondplurality of windings 312. Respective portions of the first and/orsecond ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b may have a shape that issimilar to (e.g., effectively the same as) one or more correspondingwindings 312.

The TMS device 300 may be configured such that the first treatment coil310 a and the first ferromagnetic component 330 a are supported relativeto each other, and such that the second treatment coil 310 b and thesecond ferromagnetic component 330 b are supported relative to eachother. For example, the TMS device 300 may be configured such that thefirst ferromagnetic component 330 a supports the first treatment coil310 a (e.g., at the inner surface of the first ferromagnetic component330 a), and such that the second ferromagnetic component 330 b supportsthe second treatment coil 310 b (e.g., at the inner surface of thesecond ferromagnetic component 330 b). The first treatment coil 310 aand the first ferromagnetic component 330 a may include one or morecomplementary attachment members (not shown) that are configured toenable attachment (e.g., releasable attachment) of the first treatmentcoil 310 a to the first ferromagnetic component 330 a, and the secondtreatment coil 310 b and the second ferromagnetic component 330 b mayinclude one or more complementary attachment members (not shown) thatare configured to enable attachment (e.g., releasable attachment) of thesecond treatment coil 310 b to the second ferromagnetic component 330 b.

When the first treatment coil 310 a is supported by (e.g., attached to)the first ferromagnetic component 330 a, the first treatment coil 310 amay be electrically isolated from the first ferromagnetic component 330a, for example using a dielectric. The dielectric may be air, and thefirst plurality of windings 312 may be spaced from the inner surface ofthe first ferromagnetic component 330 a when the first treatment coil310 a is attached to the first ferromagnetic component 330 a (e.g., tothe inner surface of the first ferromagnetic component 330 a). The firsttreatment coil 310 a may be attached to the first ferromagneticcomponent 330 a using one or more attachment members that are made ofany suitable electrically isolating (e.g., dielectric) material. Asdepicted in FIG. 3A, when the first treatment coil 310 a is received inthe first ferromagnetic component 330 a, the first treatment coil 310 amay be at least partially enclosed by the first ferromagnetic component330 a.

When the second treatment coil 310 b is supported by (e.g., attached to)the second ferromagnetic component 330 b, the second treatment coil 310b may be electrically isolated from the second ferromagnetic component330 b, for example using a dielectric. The dielectric may be air, andthe second plurality of windings 312 may be spaced from the innersurface of the second ferromagnetic component 330 b when the secondtreatment coil 310 b is attached to the second ferromagnetic component330 b (e.g., to the inner surface of the second ferromagnetic component330 b). The second treatment coil 310 b may be attached to the secondferromagnetic component 330 b using one or more attachment members thatare made of any suitable electrically isolating (e.g., dielectric)material. As depicted in FIG. 3A, when the second treatment coil 310 bis received in the second ferromagnetic component 330 b, the secondtreatment coil 310 b may be at least partially enclosed by the secondferromagnetic component 330 b.

The first ferromagnetic component 330 a may define one or more openings332 that may expose corresponding portions of the subject's head 52, forexample to promote cooling during TMS treatment. The secondferromagnetic component 330 b may define one or more openings 332 thatmay expose corresponding portions of the subject's head 52, for exampleto promote cooling during TMS treatment. As shown, the firstferromagnetic component 330 a defines an opening 332 at an upper endthereof that extends therethrough and the second ferromagnetic component330 b defines an opening 332 at an upper end thereof that extendstherethrough. It should be appreciated that the one or both of the firstand second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b may be configured todefine more or fewer openings. For example, one or both of the first andsecond ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b may be configured to definea plurality of openings therethrough, or may be configured with noopening therethrough.

The first and second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b may besupported relative to each other. For example, a bridge member (notshown) may be used to support the first and second ferromagneticcomponents 330 a, 330 b relative to each other. Such a bridge membermay, for example, have a first end that is attached (e.g., releasably)to the first ferromagnetic component 330 a and an opposed second endthat is attached (e.g., releasably) to the second ferromagneticcomponent 330 b. The bridge member may be configured to enableadjustment of the TMS device 300, for example to adjust positioning ofthe first and/or second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b relative to thesubject's head 52. The first end of the bridge member may be fixedly ormovably (e.g., rotatably) attached to the first ferromagnetic component330 a. The second end of the bridge member may be fixedly or movably(e.g., rotatably) attached to the second ferromagnetic component 330 b.

The bridge member may be configured to be adjustable between the firstand second ends. For example, the bridge member may include a firstportion that is attached to the first ferromagnetic component 330 a anda second portion that is attached to the second ferromagnetic component330 b. The first and second portions of the bridge member may beconfigured to slide past each other, such that the TMS device 300 may beadjusted (e.g., relative to subject anatomy) by sliding the first andsecond portions of the bridge member relative to each other. The bridgemember may include first and second portions that are angularly movablerelative to each other (e.g., about a pivot or joint), such that the TMSdevice 300 may be adjusted (e.g., relative to subject anatomy).

The TMS device 300, for example as configured and oriented relative to asubject as depicted in FIG. 3A, may be operated to cause the generationof a magnetic field in the subject's brain that may exhibit greaterintensity in a region located between the first and second treatmentcoils 310 a, 310 b, for example in an upper region of the subject'sbrain, than in other regions of the subject's brain. When the TMS device300 is oriented relative to the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic fieldmay be distributed so as to be simultaneously resident in both the firstand second hemispheres of the subject's brain.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 300 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 300 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portion of the magnetic fieldthat exhibits greater intensity is localized in a different location ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in the subject'sbrain).

The current distribution in the first and second treatment coils 310 a,310 b may be the same or different. For example, if the currentdelivered to one of the first or second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b isspread out over a larger area (e.g., via longer windings 312, greaterwinding density, etc.), one or more characteristics (e.g., focality,penetration depth, etc.) of the magnetic field generated by the TMSdevice 300 may be altered.

Additionally, one or more characteristics of the magnetic fieldgenerated by the TMS device 300 may be altered by adjusting the spacingof the first and second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b relativeto each other (e.g., using an adjustable bridging member). For example,if the first and second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b are movedcloser to each other (e.g., closer to the top of the subject's head),the resulting magnetic field generated by the TMS device 300 may exhibitmore focality, and may exhibit decreased penetration depth. If the firstand second ferromagnetic components 330 a, 330 b are moved further eachother (e.g., away from the top of the subject's head), the resultingmagnetic field generated by the TMS device 300 may exhibit lessfocality, and may exhibit increased penetration depth. Furthermore, ifthe radial spacing between one or more of the respective windings 312 ofthe first and/or second treatment coils 310 a, 310 b is increased, theresulting magnetic field generated by the TMS device 300 may exhibitincreased penetration depth.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 400that is configured to generate a changing magnetic field in a targetanatomy of the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMSpatient. The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, braintissue of the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 400 includes a first treatment coil 410 a, asecond treatment coil 410 b, a first ferromagnetic component 430 a, anda second ferromagnetic component 430 b. The TMS device 400 may bedisposed proximate to the head 52 of the subject 50 in preparation foror during TMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 4A.

The first and second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b may each include oneor more windings 412, such as respective pluralities of windings 412.The first and second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b may include the sameor different numbers of windings 412. As shown, the first treatment coil410 a includes a first plurality of windings 412 that includes fivewindings 412 a-412 e and the second treatment coil 410 b includes asecond plurality of windings 412 that includes five windings 412 f-412j. It should be appreciated that one or both of the first and secondtreatment coils 410 a, 410 b may include more or fewer windings 412,and/or may include windings 412 having the same or different geometries,radial spacing, and so on.

One or both of the first and second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b may befabricated from respective monolithic pieces of material. For example, afirst length of material (e.g., a metal strip) may be continuously woundso as to define the first plurality of windings 412 that correspond tothe first treatment coil 410 a and a second length of material (e.g., ametal strip) may be continuously wound so as to define the secondplurality of windings 412 that correspond to the second treatment coil410 b. The windings 412, for example one or more of the windings 412a-412 j, may be separately fabricated and supported relative to eachother, for example attached to each other using one or more attachmentmembers (not shown). A plurality of windings 412 that are separatelyfabricated may be placed in electrical communication with one another,for example using one or more electrically conductive attachment membersthat interconnect respective ones of the plurality of windings 412.

Each winding 412 may define a respective length, for example as definedby a perimeter of the winding 412 and measured along a central axisthrough the winding 412. Respective ones of the first and/or secondpluralities of windings 412 may have the same or different lengths. Eachwinding 412 may define any suitable cross-section along its length(e.g., perpendicular to its central axis), such as rectangular. One orboth of the first and second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b, including oneor more of the windings 412 a-412 e and 412 f-412 j, respectively, maybe made of any material that exhibits suitable electrical conductivity,such as copper.

The windings 412 may define any suitable shapes, for example theillustrated circular shapes. Respective ones of the windings 412 mayhave the same or different shapes. As shown, the windings 412 a-412 e ofthe first treatment coil 410 a have substantially the same circularshape relative to one another, but exhibit sequentially increasinglengths from an uppermost winding 412 a to a lowermost winding 412 e.The uppermost winding 412 a may be referred to as an innermost windingof the first treatment coil 410 a and the lowermost winding 412 e may bereferred to as an outermost winding of the first treatment coil 410 a.The second treatment coil 410 b may be constructed the same as the firsttreatment coil 410 a, such that the windings 412 f-412 j exhibitsequentially increasing lengths from an uppermost winding 412 f to alowermost winding 412 j. The uppermost winding 412 f may be referred toas an innermost winding of the second treatment coil 410 b and thelowermost winding 412 j may be referred to as an outermost winding ofthe second treatment coil 410 b.

The windings 412 a-412 e of the first treatment coil 410 a and/or thewindings 412 f-412 j of the second treatment coil 410 b may beconfigured such that a spacing from winding to winding (e.g., betweenadjacent windings 412) remains uniform or varies. For example, thespacing between the windings 412 a-412 e and/or the spacing between thewindings 412 f-412 j may be defined by the respective lengths, shapes,positioning, etc., of the windings 412 a-412 j. As shown, the windings412 a-412 e of the first treatment coil 410 a may be centered onrespective axes A11-A15 that extend through the subject's head 52 andthat are angularly offset relative to each other, such that the windings412 a-412 e may be spaced closest together to each other on one side ofthe first treatment coil 410 a and furthest apart from each other on anopposed side of the first treatment coil 410 a. The windings 412 f-412 jof the second treatment coil 410 b may be centered on respective axesA16-A20 that extend through the subject's head 52 and that are angularlyoffset relative to each other, such that the windings 412 f-412 j may bespaced closest together to each other on one side of the secondtreatment coil 410 b and furthest apart from each other on an opposedside of the second treatment coil 410 b.

The axes A11-A20 may pass through a common point P3 in the subject'shead 52 (e.g., a medially located point). The respective angular offsetsbetween adjacent ones of the axes A11-15 may be the same or differentand the respective angular offsets between adjacent ones of the axesA16-A20 may be the same or different. The respective angular offsetsbetween adjacent ones of the axes A11-15 may correspond with therespective angular offsets between adjacent ones of the axes A16-20.

One or both of the first and second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b may beconfigured to define coil geometries that conform to respective regionsof the subject's head 52. For example, two or more of the windings 412a-412 e of the first treatment coil 410 a may be spaced from each othervertically such that the coil geometry of the first treatment coil 410 amay be concave with respect to the subject's head 52. Two or more of thewindings 412 f-412 j of the second treatment coil 410 b may be spacedfrom each other vertically such that the coil geometry of the secondtreatment coil 410 b may be concave with respect to the subject's head52. As shown, the first and second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b definerespective concave, saucer-shaped coil geometries that encirclerespective portions of the subject's head 52.

The TMS device 400 may include a first ferromagnetic component 430 athat corresponds to the first treatment coil 410 a and a secondferromagnetic component 430 b that corresponds to the second treatmentcoil 410 b. The first and second ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 bmay be configured to change one or more characteristics of a magneticfield that is generated by the first and second treatment coils 410 a,410 b. As shown, the first ferromagnetic component 430 a may be locatedproximate to the first treatment coil 410 a and the second ferromagneticcomponent 430 b may be located proximate to the second treatment coil410 b. The first and second ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 b may bemade of any material that exhibits suitable ferromagnetic properties,such as powdered ferromagnetic iron particles.

The first and second ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 b may defineany suitable shapes, and may have the same or different shapes. Asshown, the first and second ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 b havesaucer-like shapes. One or both of the first and second ferromagneticcomponents 430 a, 430 b may define respective inner surfaces (not shown)that face the subject's head 52 and that may be configured to at leastpartially conform to corresponding portions of the first and secondtreatment coils 410 a, 410 b, respectively and/or to correspondingportions of the subject's head 52.

The first ferromagnetic component 430 a may be configured to at leastpartially receive the first treatment coil 410 a, such that the firstferromagnetic component 430 a is positioned proximate to a portion ofthe first treatment coil 410 a. For example, the inner surface of thefirst ferromagnetic component 430 a may be configured to receive one ormore of the windings 412 a-412 e. The second ferromagnetic component 430b may be configured to at least partially receive the second treatmentcoil 410 b, such that the second ferromagnetic component 430 b ispositioned proximate to a portion of the second treatment coil 410 b.For example, the inner surface of the second ferromagnetic component 430b may be configured to receive one or more of the windings 412 f-412 j.

When the first treatment coil 410 a is disposed proximate the innersurface of the first ferromagnetic component 430 a, for example as shownin FIG. 4A, the first ferromagnetic component 430 a may at leastpartially surround respective portions of the first plurality ofwindings 412. When the second treatment coil 410 b is disposed proximatethe inner surface of the second ferromagnetic component 430 b, forexample as shown in FIG. 4A, the second ferromagnetic component 430 bmay at least partially surround respective portions of the secondplurality of windings 412. Respective portions of the first and/orsecond ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 b may have a shape that issimilar to (e.g., effectively the same as) one or more correspondingwindings 412.

The TMS device 400 may be configured such that the first treatment coil410 a and the first ferromagnetic component 430 a are supported relativeto each other, and such that the second treatment coil 410 b and thesecond ferromagnetic component 430 b are supported relative to eachother. For example, the TMS device 400 may be configured such that thefirst ferromagnetic component 430 a supports the first treatment coil410 a (e.g., at the inner surface of the first ferromagnetic component430 a), and such that the second ferromagnetic component 430 b supportsthe second treatment coil 410 b (e.g., at the inner surface of thesecond ferromagnetic component 430 b). The first treatment coil 410 aand the first ferromagnetic component 430 a may include one or morecomplementary attachment members (not shown) that are configured toenable attachment (e.g., releasable attachment) of the first treatmentcoil 410 a to the first ferromagnetic component 430 a, and the secondtreatment coil 410 b and the second ferromagnetic component 430 b mayinclude one or more complementary attachment members (not shown) thatare configured to enable attachment (e.g., releasable attachment) of thesecond treatment coil 410 b to the second ferromagnetic component 430 b.

When the first treatment coil 410 a is supported by (e.g., attached to)the first ferromagnetic component 430 a, the first treatment coil 410 amay be electrically isolated from the first ferromagnetic component 430a, for example using a dielectric. The dielectric may be air, and thefirst plurality of windings 412 may be spaced from the inner surface ofthe first ferromagnetic component 430 a when the first treatment coil410 a is attached to the first ferromagnetic component 430 a (e.g., tothe inner surface of the first ferromagnetic component 430 a). The firsttreatment coil 410 a may be attached to the first ferromagneticcomponent 430 a using one or more attachment members that are made ofany suitable electrically isolating (e.g., dielectric) material. Asdepicted in FIG. 4A, when the first treatment coil 410 a is received inthe first ferromagnetic component 430 a, the first treatment coil 410 amay be at least partially enclosed by the first ferromagnetic component430 a.

When the second treatment coil 410 b is supported by (e.g., attached to)the second ferromagnetic component 430 b, the second treatment coil 410b may be electrically isolated from the second ferromagnetic component430 b, for example using a dielectric. The dielectric may be air, andthe second plurality of windings 412 may be spaced from the innersurface of the second ferromagnetic component 430 b when the secondtreatment coil 410 b is attached to the second ferromagnetic component430 b (e.g., to the inner surface of the second ferromagnetic component430 b). The second treatment coil 410 b may be attached to the secondferromagnetic component 430 b using one or more attachment members thatare made of any suitable electrically isolating (e.g., dielectric)material. As depicted in FIG. 4A, when the second treatment coil 410 bis received in the second ferromagnetic component 430 b, the secondtreatment coil 410 b may be at least partially enclosed by the secondferromagnetic component 430 b.

The first and second ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 b may besupported relative to each other. For example, a bridge member (notshown) may be used to support the first and second ferromagneticcomponents 430 a, 430 b relative to each other. Such a bridge membermay, for example, have a first end that is attached (e.g., releasably)to the first ferromagnetic component 430 a and an opposed second endthat is attached (e.g., releasably) to the second ferromagneticcomponent 430 b. The bridge member may be configured to enableadjustment of the TMS device 400, for example to adjust positioning ofthe first and/or second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b relative to thesubject's head 52. The first end of the bridge member may be fixedly ormovably (e.g., rotatably) attached to the first ferromagnetic component430 a. The second end of the bridge member may be fixedly or movably(e.g., rotatably) attached to the second ferromagnetic component 430 b.

The bridge member may be adjustable between the first and second ends.For example, the bridge member may include a first portion that isattached to the first ferromagnetic component 430 a and a second portionthat is attached to the second ferromagnetic component 430 b. The firstand second portions of the bridge member may be configured to slide pasteach other, such that the TMS device 400 may be adjusted (e.g., relativeto subject anatomy) by sliding the first and second portions of thebridge member relative to each other. The bridge member may includefirst and second portions that are angularly movable relative to eachother (e.g., about a pivot or joint), such that the TMS device 400 maybe adjusted (e.g., relative to subject anatomy).

The TMS device 400, for example as configured and oriented relative to asubject as depicted in FIG. 4A, may be operated to cause the generationof a magnetic field in the subject's brain that may exhibit greaterintensity in a region located between the first and second treatmentcoils 410 a, 410 b, for example in an upper region of the subject'sbrain, than in other regions of the subject's brain. When the TMS device400 is oriented relative to the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic fieldmay be distributed so as to be simultaneously resident in both the firstand second hemispheres of the subject's brain.

When the TMS device 400 is oriented as depicted in FIG. 4A, the firstand second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b may define current return pathsthat are close to the subject's head 52. This may assist with thedriving of the return currents, and may improve the efficiency of theTMS device 400. The illustrated first and second treatment coils 410 a,410 b may spread induced return currents generated by the TMS device400, for example spreading the return currents in the subject's head 52.Spreading the induced return currents may reduce side effects of TMStreatment, such as the stimulation of untargeted regions of thesubject's brain.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 400 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 400 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portion of the magnetic fieldthat exhibits greater intensity is localized in a different location ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in the subject'sbrain).

The current distribution in the first and second treatment coils 410 a,410 b may be the same or different. For example, if the currentdelivered to one of the first or second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b isspread out over a larger area (e.g., via longer windings 412, greaterwinding density, etc.), one or more characteristics (e.g., focality,penetration depth, etc.) of the magnetic field generated by the TMSdevice 400 may be altered.

Additionally, one or more characteristics of the magnetic fieldgenerated by the TMS device 400 may be altered by adjusting the spacingof the first and second ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 b relativeto each other (e.g., using an adjustable bridging member). For example,if the first and second ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 b are movedcloser to each other (e.g., closer to the top of the subject's head),the resulting magnetic field generated by the TMS device 400 may exhibitmore focality, and may exhibit decreased penetration depth. If the firstand second ferromagnetic components 430 a, 430 b are moved further eachother (e.g., away from the top of the subject's head), the resultingmagnetic field generated by the TMS device 400 may exhibit lessfocality, and may exhibit increased penetration depth. Furthermore, ifthe radial spacing between one or more of the respective windings 412 ofthe first and/or second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b is increased, theresulting magnetic field generated by the TMS device 400 may exhibitincreased penetration depth.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 500that is configured to generate a changing magnetic field in a targetanatomy of the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMSpatient. The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, braintissue of the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 500 includes a first treatment coil 510 a, asecond treatment coil 510 b, a third treatment coil 510 c, a fourthtreatment coil 510 d, a first ferromagnetic component 530 a, and asecond ferromagnetic component 530 b. The TMS device 500 may be disposedproximate to the head 52 of the subject 50 in preparation for or duringTMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 5A.

The first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510c, 510 d may each include one or more windings 512, such as respectivepluralities of windings 512. The first, second, third, and fourthtreatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d may include the same ordifferent numbers of windings 512. As shown, the first, second, third,and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d each include asingle winding 512. Each respective winding 512 may be fabricated from asingle turn of material. One or more of the windings 512, for exampleeach of the windings 512, may be fabricated from a plurality of turns ofmaterial (e.g., a piece of wire wrapped around a circumference of thewinding a number of times). It should be appreciated that one or more ofthe first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510c, 510 d may include more than one winding 512, for example a pluralityof windings 512.

The windings 512 may define any suitable shapes. Respective ones of thewindings 512 may have the same or different shapes. As shown, eachwinding 512 defines substantially the same circular shape. Each winding512 may define a respective length, for example as defined by aperimeter of the winding 512 and measured along a central axis throughthe winding 512. The respective windings 512 of the first, second,third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d may havethe same or different lengths. As shown, the windings 512 of the first,second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 dhave the same length. Each winding 512 may define any suitablecross-section along its length (e.g., perpendicular to its centralaxis), such as rectangular. The windings 512 may be made of any materialthat exhibits suitable electrical conductivity, such as copper.

The first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510c, 510 d may be oriented relative to the subject's head 52. The first,second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d maybe oriented the same or differently with respect to each other. Asshown, the first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510b, 510 c, 510 d are oriented in a coplanar configuration relative toeach other, on a substantially transverse plane with respect to thesubject 50.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 500 may be configured withone or more of the first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d differently oriented relative to each other. Thefirst, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c,510 d may be oriented differently (e.g., rotated about respectivegeometric centers) with respect to each other, in order to conform witha region of the subject's head 52. For example, the TMS device 500 maybe configured with the second and third treatment coils 510 b, 510 crotated ninety degrees about their respective geometric centers, suchthat the second and third treatment coils 510 b, 510 c are oriented in aplane that is normal to the plane in which the first and fourthtreatment coils 510 a, 510 d are oriented.

The TMS device 500 may include a first ferromagnetic component 530 athat corresponds to the first and second treatment coils 510 a, 510 b,and a second ferromagnetic component 530 b that corresponds to the thirdand fourth treatment coils 510 c, 510 d. The first and secondferromagnetic components 530 a, 530 b may be configured to change one ormore characteristics of a magnetic field that is generated by the first,second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d. Asshown, the first ferromagnetic component 530 a may be located proximateto the first and second treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, and the secondferromagnetic component 530 b may be located proximate to the third andfourth treatment coils 510 c, 510 d. The first and second ferromagneticcomponents 530 a, 530 b may be made of any material that exhibitssuitable ferromagnetic properties, such as powdered ferromagnetic ironparticles.

The first and second ferromagnetic components 530 a, 530 b may defineany suitable shapes, and may have the same or different shapes. Asshown, the first and second ferromagnetic components 530 a, 530 b havesubstantially the same arced, cylindrical shape. The first ferromagneticcomponent 530 a may define a first end that is configured to support thefirst treatment coil 510 a and an opposed second end that is configuredto support the second treatment coil 510 b. The second ferromagneticcomponent 530 b may define a first end that is configured to support thefirst treatment coil 510 a and an opposed second end that is configuredto support the second treatment coil 510 b.

The first ferromagnetic component 530 a may be configured to support thefirst and second treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, such that the firstferromagnetic component 530 a is positioned proximate to the first andsecond treatment coils 510 a, 510 b. For example, the first treatmentcoil 510 a may be attached to (e.g., wrapped around) the first end ofthe first ferromagnetic component 530 a and the second treatment coil510 b may be attached to (e.g., wrapped around) the second end of thefirst ferromagnetic component 530 a. The second ferromagnetic component530 b may be configured to support the third and fourth treatment coils510 c, 510 d, such that the second ferromagnetic component 530 b ispositioned proximate to the third and fourth treatment coils 510 c, 510d. For example, the third treatment coil 510 c may be attached to (e.g.,wrapped around) the first end of the second ferromagnetic component 530b and the fourth treatment coil 510 d may be attached to (e.g., wrappedaround) the second end of the second ferromagnetic component 530 b.

It should be appreciated that one or both of the first and secondferromagnetic components 530 a, 530 b may be configured to at leastpartially enclose respective portions of one or more of the first,second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d.For example, the first end of the first ferromagnetic component 530 amay define a surface configured to at least partially receive the firsttreatment coil 510 a, the second end of the first ferromagneticcomponent 530 a may define a surface configured to at least partiallyreceive the second treatment coil 510 b, the first end of the secondferromagnetic component 530 b may define a surface configured to atleast partially receive the third treatment coil 510 c, and/or thesecond end of the second ferromagnetic component 530 b may define asurface configured to at least partially receive the fourth treatmentcoil 510 d. The first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a,510 b, 510 c, 510 d and the first and second ferromagnetic components530 a, 530 b may include respective complementary attachment members(not shown) that are configured to enable attachment (e.g., releasableattachment) of the first and second treatment coils 510 a, 510 b to thefirst ferromagnetic component 530 a, and attachment (e.g., releasableattachment) of the third and fourth treatment coils 510 c, 510 d to thesecond ferromagnetic component 530 b.

The first and second ferromagnetic components 530 a, 530 b may besupported relative to each other. For example, a bridge member (notshown) may be used to support the first and second ferromagneticcomponents 530 a, 530 b relative to each other. Such a bridge membermay, for example, have a first end that is attached (e.g., releasably)to the first ferromagnetic component 530 a and an opposed second endthat is attached (e.g., releasably) to the second ferromagneticcomponent 530 b. The bridge member may be configured to enableadjustment of the TMS device 500, for example to adjust positioning ofthe first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510c, 510 d relative to the subject's head 52. The first end of the bridgemember may be fixedly or movably (e.g., rotatably) attached to the firstferromagnetic component 530 a. The second end of the bridge member maybe fixedly or movably (e.g., rotatably) attached to the secondferromagnetic component 530 b.

The bridge member may be adjustable between the first and second ends.For example, the bridge member may include a first portion that isattached to the first ferromagnetic component 530 a and a second portionthat is attached to the second ferromagnetic component 530 b. The firstand second portions of the bridge member may be configured to slide pasteach other, such that the TMS device 500 may be adjusted (e.g., relativeto subject anatomy) by sliding the first and second portions of thebridge member relative to each other. The bridge member may includefirst and second portions that are angularly movable relative to eachother (e.g., about a pivot or joint), such that the TMS device 500 maybe adjusted (e.g., relative to subject anatomy).

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 500 is not limited to theillustrated configuration of treatment coils and ferromagneticcomponents. For instance, the TMS device 500 may include more or fewertreatment coils and/or more or fewer ferromagnetic components. Forexample, the TMS device 500 may include a single ferromagnetic componentthat is associated with (e.g., attached to) each of the first, second,third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d. In anotherexample, the TMS device may include three, five, six, seven, or moretreatment coils and one or more corresponding ferromagnetic components.The treatment coils of such examples of the TMS device 500 may beoriented in any suitable configuration.

The TMS device 500, for example as configured and oriented relative to asubject as depicted in FIG. 5A, may be operated to cause the generationof a magnetic field in the subject's brain that may exhibit greaterintensity in one or more regions located between respective centers ofadjacent ones of the first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510 d, in an upper region of the subject's brain,than in other regions of the subject's brain. For example, a firstregion of greater magnetic field intensity may be exhibited betweenrespective portions of the first and second treatment coils 510 a, 510 bthat are closest to each other. A second region of greater magneticfield intensity may be exhibited between respective portions of thesecond and fourth treatment coils 510 b, 510 d that are closest to eachother. A third region of greater magnetic field intensity may beexhibited between respective portions of the fourth and third treatmentcoils 510 d, 510 c that are closest to each other. A fourth region ofgreater magnetic field intensity may be exhibited between respectiveportions of the third and first treatment coils 510 c, 510 a that areclosest to each other.

The first, second, third, and fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510c, and 510 d may induce an electric field that exhibits a stronggradient. This gradient may be strong in opposite directions on opposedtreatment coils (e.g., the first and second treatment coils 510 a, 510b, or the first and third treatment coils 510 a, 510 c). Thischaracteristic of the induced electric field may result in a magneticfield that is better able to stimulate straight nerve cells (e.g.,peripheral neurons) in the subject's brain that may be more sensitive tostimulation in a rapidly changing current density. When the TMS device500 is oriented relative to the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic fieldmay be distributed so as to be simultaneously resident in both the firstand second hemispheres of the subject's brain.

The first and second ferromagnetic components 530 a, 530 b may improvethe energy efficiency of the treatment coils 510 a-510 d of the TMSdevice 500 (e.g., in contrast to using the bare treatment coils 510a-510 d to generate a magnetic field, without the first and secondferromagnetic components 530 a, 530 b).

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 500 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 500 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portions of the magnetic fieldthat exhibit greater intensity are localized in different locations ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., different locations in the subject'sbrain).

One or more characteristics of the magnetic field generated by the TMSdevice 500 may be altered by adjusting sizes of one or more of thefirst, second, third, or fourth treatment coils 510 a, 510 b, 510 c, 510d. For example, by altering the respective size (e.g., diameter, coildensity, etc.) of one or more of the treatment coils 510 a-510 d, themagnetic field generated by the TMS device 500 may be changed to targetspecific portions (e.g., zones) of the subject's brain. Adjusting therespective size of one or more of the treatment coils 510 a-510 d maycause the TMS device 500 to create a magnetic field that exhibitsdifferent intensities in different respective locations in the subject'sbrain. This may be useful, for example, for the treatment of peripheralnerves that may be straight (e.g., not curved).

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a human subject 50 and an example TMS device thatis 600 that is configured to generate a changing magnetic field in atarget anatomy of the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, aTMS patient. The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example,brain tissue of the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 600 includes a treatment coil 610 and aferromagnetic component 630. The TMS device 600 may be disposedproximate to the head 52 of the subject 50 in preparation for or duringTMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 6A.

The treatment coil 610 may include one or more windings 612, such as aplurality of windings 612. As shown, the treatment coil 610 has aplurality of windings 612 that includes four windings 612 a-612 d. Itshould be appreciated that the treatment coil 610 may include more orfewer windings 612.

The treatment coil 610 may be fabricated from a monolithic piece ofmaterial. For example, a length of material (e.g., wire) may becontinuously wound so as to define the plurality of windings 612. Thewindings 612, for example one or more of the windings 612 a-612 d, maybe separately fabricated and supported relative to each other, forexample attached to each other using one or more attachment members (notshown). A plurality of windings 612 that are separately fabricated maybe placed in electrical communication with one another, for exampleusing one or more electrically conductive attachment members thatinterconnect respective ones of the windings 612.

The windings 612 may be configured so as to define respective portionsof the treatment coil 610. For example, the windings 612 a-612 d of theillustrated treatment coil 610 are configured to define a base portion614 of the treatment coil 610 and a protruding portion 616 of thetreatment coil 610. The base portion 614 may be configured tosubstantially conform to an anatomy of the subject's head 52. As shown,the base portion 614 defines a concave shape that is configured tosubstantially conform to a frontal region of the subject's head 52. Thebase portion 614 may be configured to make contact with the subject'shead 52 during treatment, or to be spaced (e.g., a slight distance) fromthe subject's head 52 during treatment. The protruding portion 616 maybe configured as a return portion of the treatment coil 610. As shown,the protruding portion 616 of the treatment coil 610 is angularly offsetrelative to the base portion 614, and extends outwardly from the baseportion 614, in a direction away from the base portion 614 and away fromthe subject's head 52. It should be appreciated that the treatment coil610 is not limited to the illustrated configuration of the base portionand/or protruding portions 614, 616. For example, the protruding portion616 may be curved (e.g., to at least partially conform to the back ofthe subject's head 52). Such a configuration of the treatment coil 610may reduce efficiency of the TMS device 600.

As shown, each winding 612 defines an arc-shaped front segment 618 thatmay be disposed proximate the front of the subject's head 52, opposedarc-shaped side segments 620 that may be disposed along correspondingsides of the subject's head 52, and a plurality of straight rearsegments 622 that are connected to one another and that interconnect theside segments 620. The front and/or side segments 618, 620 may beconfigured to conform to corresponding portions of the subject's head52. The base portion 614 of the illustrated treatment coil 610 isdefined by the respective front and side segments 618, 620 of thewindings 612, and the protruding portion 616 of the treatment coil 610is defined by the plurality of rear segments 622.

Each winding 612 may define a respective length, for example as definedby a perimeter of the winding 612 and measured along a central axisthrough the winding 612. Respective ones of the plurality of windings612 may have the same or different lengths. Each winding 612 may defineany suitable cross-section along its length (e.g., perpendicular to itscentral axis), such as circular. The treatment coil 610, including oneor more of the windings 612 a-612 d, may be made of any material thatexhibits suitable electrical conductivity, such as copper.

Respective ones of the windings 612 may have the same or differentshapes. The illustrated windings 612 a-612 d have similar shapesrelative to one another, and may be at least partially nested relativeto each other. The winding 612 a may be referred to as an innermostwinding of the plurality of windings 612, and the winding 612 d may bereferred to as an outermost winding of the plurality of windings 612.

The windings 612 a-612 d may be configured such that a spacing fromwinding to winding (e.g., between adjacent windings 612) remains uniformor varies. For example, the spacing between the windings 612 a-612 d maybe defined by the respective lengths, shapes, positioning, etc., of thewindings 612 a-612 d. As shown, the spacing of the windings 612 fromeach other varies by segment, such that the front segments 618 arespaced further apart from each other than the side segments 620 and rearsegments 622 are spaced apart from each other.

The treatment coil 610 may be configured to define a coil geometry thatconforms to a region of the subject's head 52. For example, two or moreof the windings 612 a-612 d may be spaced from each other verticallysuch that the coil geometry of the treatment coil 610 may be concavewith respect to the subject's head 52. As shown, the base portion 614 ofthe treatment coil 610 defines a concave, band-shaped coil geometry thatencloses a portion of the subject's head 52.

The TMS device 600 may include a ferromagnetic component 630. Theferromagnetic component 630 may be configured to change one or morecharacteristics of a magnetic field that is generated by the treatmentcoil 610. As shown, the ferromagnetic component 630 may be disposedproximate to (e.g., located near) the treatment coil 610. Theferromagnetic component 630 may be made of any material that exhibitssuitable ferromagnetic properties, such as powdered ferromagnetic ironparticles.

The ferromagnetic component 630 may define any suitable shape, forexample the illustrated annular, semi-toroidal shape. The ferromagneticcomponent 630 may define an inner surface 632 that faces the subject'shead 52 and that is configured to at least partially conform tocorresponding portions of the treatment coil 610 and/or to correspondingportions of the subject's head 52. The inner surface 632 may define ashape with proportions that are substantially similar to (e.g., slightlylarger than) those of a corresponding portion of the subject's head 52.

The ferromagnetic component 630 may be configured to at least partiallyreceive the treatment coil 610, such that the ferromagnetic component630 is positioned proximate to a portion of the treatment coil 610. Theferromagnetic component may partially enclose a portion of the treatmentcoil 610, such as the base portion 614. The ferromagnetic component 630may define a recess (not shown) that extends into the inner surface 632of the ferromagnetic component 630 and that is configured to receive atleast a portion of the treatment coil 610. The recess may be configuredto receive one or more of the plurality of windings 612. When thetreatment coil 610 is disposed in the recess, the ferromagneticcomponent 630 may at least partially surround respective portions of theplurality of windings 612. Portions of the ferromagnetic component 630that define the recess may have a shape that is similar to (e.g.,effectively the same as) one or more corresponding windings 612.

The ferromagnetic component 630 may define one or more openings that mayexpose corresponding portions of the subject's head 52, for example topromote cooling during TMS treatment. As shown, the ferromagneticcomponent 630 defines an opening 634 that extends therethrough. Theillustrated opening 634 is located at an upper end of the ferromagneticcomponent 630. As shown, the opening 634 is configured such that theprotruding portion 616 of the treatment coil 610 may be disposed in theopening 634. It should be appreciated that the ferromagnetic component630 may be configured to define more or fewer openings. For example, theferromagnetic component 630 may be configured to define a plurality ofopenings therethrough, or may be configured with no opening therethrough(e.g., configured with a dome-like shape).

The TMS device 600 may be configured such that the treatment coil 610and the ferromagnetic component 630 are supported relative to eachother. For example, the TMS device 600 may be configured such that theferromagnetic component 630 supports the treatment coil 610 (e.g., inthe recess). One or both of the treatment coil 610 and the ferromagneticcomponent 630 may include complementary attachment members (not shown)that are configured to enable attachment (e.g., releasable attachment)of the treatment coil 610 to the ferromagnetic component 630.

When the treatment coil 610 is supported by (e.g., attached to) theferromagnetic component 630, the treatment coil 610 may be electricallyisolated from the ferromagnetic component 630, for example using adielectric. As shown, the dielectric may be air, and the plurality ofwindings 612 may be spaced from the inner surface 632 of theferromagnetic component 630 when the treatment coil 610 is attached tothe ferromagnetic component 630 (e.g., disposed in the recess). Thetreatment coil 610 may be attached to the ferromagnetic component 630using one or more attachment members that are made of any suitableelectrically isolating (e.g., dielectric) material.

When the treatment coil 610 and the ferromagnetic component 630 aresupported relative to each other in an assembled configuration, forexample as depicted in FIG. 6A, the protruding portion 616 of thetreatment coil 610 may protrude through the opening 634 in theferromagnetic component 630, and extend away from the subject's head 52and from the ferromagnetic component 630. When the treatment coil 610and the ferromagnetic component 630 are supported relative to each otherin the assembled configuration, the treatment coil 610, for example thebase portion 614 and at least a portion of the protruding portion 616,may be at least partially enclosed by the ferromagnetic component 630.

When the TMS device 600 is oriented relative to the subject 50, forexample as depicted in FIG. 6A, the ferromagnetic component 630 (e.g.,the inner surface 632) may be positioned near an outer surface of thesubject's head 52. For example, the ferromagnetic component 630 mayencircle a portion of the subject's head 52, such that the ferromagneticcomponent 630 encloses at least a portion of the treatment coil 610(e.g., the base portion 614). The ferromagnetic component 630 may beconfigured such that the inner surface 632 substantially conforms to acorresponding portion of the subject's head 52. A portion of theferromagnetic component 630 may extend beyond one or more portions ofthe treatment coil 610. For example, the ferromagnetic component 630 maydefine a radius (e.g., in a plane transverse to the subject 50), suchthat the ferromagnetic component extends beyond one or both of the baseportion 614 and the protruding portion 616 of the treatment coil 610.

The TMS device 600, for example as configured and oriented relative to asubject as depicted in FIG. 6A, may be operated to cause the generationof a magnetic field in the subject's brain that may exhibit greaterintensity in the frontal region in opposed sides of the subject's brain,than in other regions of the subject's brain. When the TMS device 600 isoriented relative to the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic field may bedistributed so as to be simultaneously resident in both the first andsecond hemispheres of the subject's brain. The illustrated configurationof the ferromagnetic component 630 may exhibit a slower reduction ofelectric field stimulation as a function of distance normal to thesurface of a subject's head.

When the TMS device 600 is oriented as depicted in FIG. 6A, theferromagnetic component 630 may contribute to the spread of inducedreturn currents generated by the TMS device 600, for example byspreading the return currents in the subject's head 52. Spreading theinduced return currents may reduce side effects of TMS treatment, suchas the stimulation of untargeted regions of the subject's brain. Thismay improve the efficiency of the treatment coil 610 and/or the TMSdevice 600.

FIG. 6C depicts an example current distribution in the tissues of thebrain 60 of a subject (e.g., the subject 50) when the TMS device 600 isoperated without the ferromagnetic component 630. For example, with theferromagnetic component 630 removed, the TMS device 600 may be operatedsuch that the treatment coil 610 generates a magnetic field in thesubject's brain 60. The magnetic field may induce currents in a targetedvolume of tissues of the subject's brain 60. This targeted volume ofstimulated brain tissue may be referred to as a stimulation volume. Whenthe TMS device 600 is operated, for example during TMS treatment, thestimulation volume may include one or more regions that exhibitdifferent levels of induced current (e.g., including regions 61, 62, and63). The induced current in region 61 may be greater than the inducedcurrent in regions 62 and 63. The induced current in region 62 may begreater than the induced current in region 63. The magnetic field mayinduce return current in one or more regions of the subject's brain 60(e.g., including regions 64 and 65). The induced return current inregion 65 may be greater than the induced return current in region 64.

FIG. 6D depicts an example current distribution in the tissues of thebrain 60 of a subject (e.g., the subject 50) when the TMS device 600 isoperated with the ferromagnetic component 630. For example, the TMSdevice 600 may be operated such that the treatment coil 610 and theferromagnetic component 630 cooperatively generate a magnetic field inthe subject's brain 60. The magnetic field may induce currents in atargeted stimulation volume of the subject's brain 60. When the TMSdevice 600 is operated, for example during TMS treatment, thestimulation volume may include one or more regions that exhibitdifferent levels of induced current (e.g., including regions 61′, 62′,and 63′). The induced current in region 61′ may be greater than theinduced current in regions 62′ and 63′. The induced current in region62′ may be greater than the induced current in region 63′. The magneticfield may induce return current in one or more regions of the subject'sbrain 60 (e.g., including regions 64′ and 65′). The induced returncurrent in region 65′ may be greater than the induced return current inregion 64′.

The TMS device 600, when operated with the ferromagnetic component 630,may spread the induced return currents. For example, as shown, theregions 64′ and 65′ may be larger than the corresponding regions 64 and65 induced when the TMS device 600 is operated without the ferromagneticcomponent 630. Spreading the induced return currents may reduce acurrent density in one or more regions of the brain 60 outside of thetargeted stimulation volume, which may reduce TMS treatment dosageoutside of the targeted stimulation volume. The ferromagnetic component630 may improve the efficiency of the TMS device 600, for examplewithout reducing the penetration depth of the magnetic field in thetargeted stimulation volume.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 600 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 600 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portion of the magnetic fieldthat exhibits greater intensity is localized in a different location ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in the subject'sbrain).

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 700that is configured to generate a changing magnetic field in a targetanatomy of the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMSpatient. The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, braintissue of the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 700 includes a treatment coil 710 and aferromagnetic component 730. The TMS device 700 may be disposedproximate to the head 52 of the subject 50 in preparation for or duringTMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 7A.

The treatment coil 710 may include one or more windings 712, such as aplurality of windings 712. As shown, the treatment coil 710 has aplurality of windings 712 that includes seven windings 712 a-712 g. Itshould be appreciated that the treatment coil 710 may include more orfewer windings 712.

The treatment coil 710 may be fabricated from a monolithic piece ofmaterial. For example, a length of material (e.g., wire) may becontinuously wound so as to define the plurality of windings 712. Thewindings 712, for example one or more of the windings 712 a-712 g, maybe separately fabricated and supported relative to each other, forexample attached to each other using one or more attachment members (notshown). A plurality of windings 712 that are separately fabricated maybe placed in electrical communication with one another, for exampleusing one or more electrically conductive attachment members thatinterconnect respective ones of the windings 712.

The windings 712 may be configured so as to define respective portionsof the treatment coil 710. For example, the windings 712 a-712 g of theillustrated treatment coil 710 are configured to define a base portion714 of the treatment coil 710 and a protruding portion 716 of thetreatment coil 710. The base portion 714 may be configured tosubstantially conform to an anatomy of the subject's head 52. As shown,the base portion 714 defines a concave shape that is configured tosubstantially conform to the subject's head 52. The base portion 714 maybe configured to make contact with the subject's head 52 duringtreatment, or to be spaced (e.g., a slight distance) from the subject'shead 52 during treatment. The protruding portion 716 may be configuredas a return portion of the treatment coil 710. As shown, the protrudingportion 716 of the treatment coil 710 is angularly offset relative tothe base portion 714, and extends outwardly from the base portion 714,in a direction away from the base portion 714 and away from thesubject's head 52. It should be appreciated that the treatment coil 710is not limited to the illustrated configuration of the base portionand/or protruding portions 714, 716. For example, the protruding portion716 may be curved (e.g., to at least partially conform to the back ofthe subject's head 52). Such a configuration of the treatment coil 710may reduce efficiency of the TMS device 700.

As shown, each winding 712 defines an arc-shaped front segment 718 thatmay be disposed proximate the front of the subject's head 52, opposedarc-shaped side segments 720 that may be disposed along correspondingsides of the subject's head 52, and a plurality of straight rearsegments 722 that are connected to one another and that interconnect theside segments 720. The front and/or side segments 718, 720 may beconfigured to conform to corresponding portions of the subject's head52. The base portion 714 of the illustrated treatment coil 710 isdefined by the respective front and side segments 718, 720 of thewindings 712, and the protruding portion 716 of the treatment coil 710is defined by the plurality of rear segments 722.

Each winding 712 may define a respective length, for example as definedby a perimeter of the winding 712 and measured along a central axisthrough the winding 712. Respective ones of the plurality of windings712 may have the same or different lengths. Each winding 712 may defineany suitable cross-section along its length (e.g., perpendicular to itscentral axis), such as circular. The treatment coil 710, including oneor more of the windings 712 a-712 g, may be made of any material thatexhibits suitable electrical conductivity, such as copper.

Respective ones of the windings 712 may have the same or differentshapes. The illustrated windings 712 a-712 d have similar shapesrelative to one another, and may be at least partially nested relativeto each other. The illustrated windings 712 e-712 g have similar shapesrelative to one another, and may be at least partially nested relativeto each other.

The windings 712 a-712 g may be configured such that a spacing fromwinding to winding (e.g., between adjacent windings 712) remains uniformor varies. For example, the spacing between the windings 712 a-712 g maybe defined by the respective lengths, shapes, positioning, etc., of thewindings 712 a-712 g. As shown, the spacing of the windings 712 fromeach other varies by segment. For windings 712 a-712 d, the frontsegments 718 are spaced closer to each other than the side segments 720are spaced apart from each other. For windings 712 e-712 g, the frontsegments 718 are spaced farther apart from each other than the sidesegments 720 are spaced apart from each other. The spacing of the rearsegments 722 may be different from winding to winding.

The treatment coil 710 may be configured to define a coil geometry thatconforms to a region of the subject's head 52. For example, two or moreof the windings 712 a-712 g may be spaced from each other verticallysuch that the coil geometry of the treatment coil 710 may be concavewith respect to the subject's head 52. As shown, the base portion 714 ofthe treatment coil 710 defines a concave, half-dome-shaped coil geometrythat encloses a portion of the subject's head 52.

The TMS device 700 may include a ferromagnetic component 730. Theferromagnetic component 730 may be configured to change one or morecharacteristics of a magnetic field that is generated by the treatmentcoil 710. As shown, the ferromagnetic component 730 may be locatedproximate to the treatment coil 710. The ferromagnetic component 730 maybe made of any material that exhibits suitable ferromagnetic properties,such as powdered ferromagnetic iron particles.

The ferromagnetic component 730 may define any suitable shape, forexample the illustrated annular, half-dome shape. The ferromagneticcomponent 730 may define an inner surface (not shown) that faces thesubject's head 52 and that is configured to at least partially conformto corresponding portions of the treatment coil 710 and/or tocorresponding portions of the subject's head 52. The inner surface maydefine a shape with proportions that are substantially similar to (e.g.,slightly larger than) those of a corresponding portion of the subject'shead 52.

The ferromagnetic component 730 may be configured to at least partiallyreceive the treatment coil 710, such that the ferromagnetic component730 is positioned proximate to a portion of the treatment coil 710. Theferromagnetic component may partially enclose a portion of the treatmentcoil 610, such as the base portion 614. The ferromagnetic component 730may define a recess (not shown) that extends into the inner surface ofthe ferromagnetic component 730 and that is configured to receive atleast a portion of the treatment coil 710. The recess may be configuredto receive one or more of the plurality of windings 712. When thetreatment coil 710 is disposed in the recess, the ferromagneticcomponent 730 may at least partially surround respective portions of theplurality of windings 712 (e.g., the base portion 714 of the treatmentcoil 710). Portions of the ferromagnetic component 730 that define therecess may have a shape that is similar to (e.g., effectively the sameas) one or more corresponding windings 712.

The ferromagnetic component 730 may be configured to expose one or moreportions of the subject's head 52, for example to promote cooling duringTMS treatment. As shown, the ferromagnetic component 730 defines agroove 732 that extends into an edge of the ferromagnetic component 730near an upper end thereof. It should be appreciated that the groove 732is no limited to the illustrated location. Furthermore, theferromagnetic component 730 may be configured to define more or fewergrooves, such as a plurality of grooves (e.g., having the same ordifferent sizes) or no groove at all. It should further be appreciatedthat the ferromagnetic component 730 may be configured to define one ormore openings that extend therethrough (e.g., in addition to or insubstitution for one or more grooves). For example, the ferromagneticcomponent 730 may be configured to define a plurality of openings thatextend therethrough.

The TMS device 700 may be configured such that the treatment coil 710and the ferromagnetic component 730 are supported relative to eachother. For example, the TMS device 700 may be configured such that theferromagnetic component 730 supports the treatment coil 710 (e.g., inthe recess). One or both of the treatment coil 710 and the ferromagneticcomponent 730 may include complementary attachment members (not shown)that are configured to enable attachment (e.g., releasable attachment)of the treatment coil 710 to the ferromagnetic component 730.

When the treatment coil 710 is supported by (e.g., attached to) theferromagnetic component 730, the treatment coil 710 may be electricallyisolated from the ferromagnetic component 730, for example using adielectric. As shown, the dielectric may be air, and the plurality ofwindings 712 may be spaced from the inner surface of the ferromagneticcomponent 730 when the treatment coil 710 is attached to theferromagnetic component 730 (e.g., disposed in the recess). Thetreatment coil 710 may be attached to the ferromagnetic component 730using one or more attachment members that are made of any suitableelectrically isolating (e.g., dielectric) material.

When the treatment coil 710 and the ferromagnetic component 730 aresupported relative to each other in an assembled configuration, forexample as depicted in FIG. 7A, the protruding portion 716 of thetreatment coil 710 may protrude beyond the ferromagnetic component 730,and extend away from the subject's head 52 and from the ferromagneticcomponent 730. When the treatment coil 710 and the ferromagneticcomponent 730 are supported relative to each other in the assembledconfiguration, the treatment coil 710, for example the base portion 714and at least a portion of the protruding portion 716, may be at leastpartially enclosed by the ferromagnetic component 730.

When the TMS device 700 is oriented relative to the subject 50, forexample as depicted in FIG. 7A, the ferromagnetic component 730 may bepositioned near an outer surface of the subject's head 52. Theferromagnetic component may be disposed above one or more portions ofthe treatment coil 710 that are disposed near the subject's head 52(e.g., above the base portion 714). The ferromagnetic component 730 mayextend away from the base portion 714 of the treatment coil 710, forexample towards the protruding portion 716. It should be appreciatedthat the ferromagnetic component 730 may be configured such that atleast a portion of the ferromagnetic component 730 extends beyond one ormore portions of the treatment coil 710. For example, the ferromagneticcomponent 730 may be configured such that a portion of the ferromagneticcomponent 730 extends upward beyond the protruding portion 716 of thetreatment coil 710.

The TMS device 700, for example as configured and oriented relative to asubject as depicted in FIG. 7A, may be operated to cause the generationof a magnetic field in the subject's brain that may exhibit greaterintensity in a frontal region of the subject's brain than in a dorsalregion of the subject's brain. When the TMS device 700 is orientedrelative to the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic field may bedistributed so as to be simultaneously resident in both the first andsecond hemispheres of the subject's brain. The illustrated configurationof the ferromagnetic component 730 may enable the TMS device 700 toexhibit an increased energy efficiency, while maintaining or improvingpenetration depth (e.g., in comparison to characteristics exhibited bythe TMS device 600, using the ferromagnetic component 630).

When the TMS device 700 is oriented as depicted in FIG. 7A, theferromagnetic component 730 may contribute to the redistribution of acurrent concentration of reverse induced current, for exampleredistributing induced currents in the subject's head 52. Theillustrated configuration of the ferromagnetic component 730 may exhibita slower reduction of electric field stimulation as a function ofdistance normal to the surface of a subject's head. The TMS device 700may better maintain electric field stimulation as a function of distancenormal to the surface of a subject's head.

FIG. 7C depicts an example current distribution in the tissues of thebrain 70 of a subject (e.g., the subject 50) when the TMS device 700 isoperated without the ferromagnetic component 730. For example, with theferromagnetic component 730 removed, the TMS device 700 may be operatedsuch that the treatment coil 710 generates a magnetic field in thesubject's brain 70. The magnetic field may induce currents in a targetedvolume of tissues of the subject's brain 70. This targeted volume ofstimulated brain tissue may be referred to as a stimulation volume. Whenthe TMS device 700 is operated, for example during TMS treatment, thestimulation volume may include one or more regions that exhibitdifferent levels of induced current (e.g., including regions 71, 72, and73). The induced current in region 71 may be greater than the inducedcurrent in regions 72 and 73. The induced current in region 72 may begreater than the induced current in region 73. The magnetic field mayinduce return current in one or more regions of the subject's brain 70(e.g., including regions 74 and 75). The induced return current inregion 75 may be greater than the induced return current in region 74.

FIG. 7D depicts an example current distribution in the tissues of thebrain 70 of a subject (e.g., the subject 50) when the TMS device 700 isoperated with the ferromagnetic component 730. For example, the TMSdevice 700 may be operated such that the treatment coil 710 and theferromagnetic component 730 cooperatively generate a magnetic field inthe subject's brain 70. The magnetic field may induce currents in atargeted stimulation volume of the subject's brain 70. When the TMSdevice 700 is operated, for example during TMS treatment, thestimulation volume may include one or more regions that exhibitdifferent levels of induced current (e.g., including regions 71′, 72′,and 73′). The induced current in region 71′ may be greater than theinduced current in regions 72′ and 73′. The induced current in region72′ may be greater than the induced current in region 73′. The magneticfield may induce return current in one or more regions of the subject'sbrain 70 (e.g., including regions 74′ and 75′). The induced returncurrent in region 75′ may be greater than the induced return current inregion 74′.

The TMS device 700, when operated with the ferromagnetic component 730,may redistribute (e.g., displace, reorient, change the volume of, etc.)the induced return currents. For example, as shown, the regions 74′ and75′ may be displaced further from the targeted stimulation volume, forexample relative to the protruding portion 716 of the treatment coil 710induced when the TMS device 700 is operated without the ferromagneticcomponent 730. Redistributing the induced return currents may reduce acurrent density in one or more regions of the brain 70 outside of thetargeted stimulation volume, which may reduce TMS treatment dosageoutside of the targeted stimulation volume.

When the TMS device 700 is oriented as depicted in FIG. 7A, theferromagnetic component 730 may improve the efficiency of the treatmentcoil 710 and/or the TMS device 700, for example without reducing thepenetration depth of the magnetic field in the targeted stimulationvolume. As shown, the ferromagnetic component 730 may extend beyond thebase portion 714 of the treatment coil 710. This configuration may movethe return induced currents in the subject's head 52. Moving the inducedreturn currents may reduce side effects of TMS treatment, such as thestimulation of untargeted regions of the subject's brain.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 700 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 700 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portion of the magnetic fieldthat exhibits greater intensity is localized in a different location ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in the subject'sbrain).

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 800that is configured to generate a changing magnetic field in a targetanatomy of the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMSpatient. The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, braintissue of the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 800 includes a treatment coil 810 and aferromagnetic component 830. The TMS device 800 may be disposedproximate to the head 52 of the subject 50 in preparation for or duringTMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 8A.

The treatment coil 810 may include one or more windings 812, such as aplurality of windings 812. As shown, the treatment coil 810 has aplurality of windings 812 that includes seven windings 812 a-812 g. Itshould be appreciated that the treatment coil 810 may include more orfewer windings 812.

The treatment coil 810 may be fabricated from a monolithic piece ofmaterial. For example, a length of material (e.g., wire) may becontinuously wound so as to define the plurality of windings 812. Thewindings 812, for example one or more of the windings 812 a-812 g, maybe separately fabricated and supported relative to each other, forexample attached to each other using one or more attachment members (notshown). A plurality of windings 812 that are separately fabricated maybe placed in electrical communication with one another, for exampleusing one or more electrically conductive attachment members thatinterconnect respective ones of the windings 812.

The windings 812 may be configured so as to define respective portionsof the treatment coil 810. For example, the windings 812 a-812 g of theillustrated treatment coil 810 are configured to define a base portion814 of the treatment coil 810 and a protruding portion 816 of thetreatment coil 810. The base portion 814 may be configured tosubstantially conform to an anatomy of the subject's head 52. As shown,the base portion 814 defines a concave shape that is configured tosubstantially conform to the subject's head 52. The base portion 814 maybe configured to make contact with the subject's head 52 duringtreatment, or to be spaced (e.g., a slight distance) from the subject'shead 52 during treatment. The protruding portion 816 may be configuredas a return portion of the treatment coil 810. As shown, the protrudingportion 816 of the illustrated treatment coil 810 is angularly offsetrelative to the base portion 814, and extends outwardly from the baseportion 814, in a direction away from the base portion 814 and away fromthe subject's head 52. It should be appreciated that the treatment coil810 is not limited to the illustrated configuration of the base portionand/or protruding portions 814, 816. For example, the protruding portion816 may be curved (e.g., to at least partially conform to the back ofthe subject's head 52). Such a configuration of the treatment coil 810may reduce efficiency of the TMS device 800.

As shown, each winding 812 defines an arc-shaped front segment 818 thatmay be disposed proximate the front of the subject's head 52, opposedarc-shaped side segments 820 that may be disposed along correspondingsides of the subject's head 52, and a plurality of straight rearsegments 822 that are connected to one another and that interconnect theside segments 820. The front and/or side segments 818, 820 may beconfigured to conform to corresponding portions of the subject's head52. The base portion 814 of the illustrated treatment coil 810 isdefined by the respective front and side segments 818, 820 of thewindings 812, and the protruding portion 816 of the treatment coil 810is defined by the plurality of rear segments 822.

Each winding 812 may define a respective length, for example as definedby a perimeter of the winding 812 and measured along a central axisthrough the winding 812. Respective ones of the plurality of windings812 may have the same or different lengths. Each winding 812 may defineany suitable cross-section along its length (e.g., perpendicular to itscentral axis), such as circular. The treatment coil 810, including oneor more of the windings 812 a-812 g, may be made of any material thatexhibits suitable electrical conductivity, such as copper.

Respective ones of the windings 812 may have the same or differentshapes. The illustrated windings 812 a-812 d have similar shapesrelative to one another, and may be at least partially nested relativeto each other. The illustrated windings 812 e-812 g have similar shapesrelative to one another, and may be at least partially nested relativeto each other.

The windings 812 a-812 g may be configured such that a spacing fromwinding to winding (e.g., between adjacent windings 812) remains uniformor varies. For example, the spacing between the windings 812 a-812 g maybe defined by the respective lengths, shapes, positioning, etc., of thewindings 812 a-812 g. As shown, the spacing of the windings 812 fromeach other varies by segment. For windings 812 a-812 d, the frontsegments 818 are spaced closer to each other than the side segments 820are spaced apart from each other. For windings 812 e-812 g, the frontsegments 818 are spaced farther apart from each other than the sidesegments 820 are spaced apart from each other. The spacing between therear segments 822 may be different from one winding to winding.

The treatment coil 810 may be configured to define a coil geometry thatconforms to a region of the subject's head 52. For example, two or moreof the windings 812 a-812 g may be spaced from each other verticallysuch that the coil geometry of the treatment coil 810 may be concavewith respect to the subject's head 52. As shown, the base portion 814 ofthe treatment coil 810 defines a concave, half-dome-shaped coil geometrythat encloses a portion of the subject's head 52.

The TMS device 800 may include a ferromagnetic component 830. Theferromagnetic component 830 may be configured to change one or morecharacteristics of a magnetic field that is generated by the treatmentcoil 810. The ferromagnetic component 830 may be disposed proximate to(e.g., located near) at least a portion of the treatment coil 810. Asshown, the ferromagnetic component 830 may be disposed proximate to thebase portion 814 of the treatment coil 810, so as to partially enclose apart of the base portion 814 (e.g., an area of the base portion 814).The ferromagnetic component 830 may be made of any material thatexhibits suitable ferromagnetic properties, such as powderedferromagnetic iron particles.

The ferromagnetic component 830 may be configured to at least partiallyenclose a portion of the treatment coil 810. As shown, the ferromagneticcomponent 830 is configured to at least partially enclose the protrudingportion 816 of the treatment coil 810. The ferromagnetic component maydefine any suitable shape, for example the illustrated arc shape. Asshown, the ferromagnetic component 830 defines a first end 832, anopposed second end 834 that is spaced from the first end 832, and anarc-shaped intermediate section 836 that extends from the first end 832to the second end 834.

The ferromagnetic component 830 may be configured such that the firstand second ends 832, 834, are disposed on opposed sides of theprotruding portion 816 of the treatment coil 810. For example, the firstend 832 of the ferromagnetic component 830 may be configured to bedisposed at a location on a first, forward-facing side of the protrudingportion 816 of the treatment coil 810, the second end 834 of theferromagnetic component 830 may be configured to be disposed at alocation on a second, rearward-facing side of the protruding portion 816of the treatment coil 810.

The ferromagnetic component 830 may be configured to at least partiallyenclose the protruding portion 816 of the treatment coil 810. Forexample, the intermediate section 836 of the ferromagnetic component 830may define an arc that at least partially encloses the protrudingportion 816. As shown, the arc defined by the intermediate portion 836defines a loop that at least partially encloses the protruding portion816 of the treatment coil 810.

It should be appreciated that the ferromagnetic component 830 is notlimited to the illustrated configuration, for example the illustratedintermediate section 836 that extends up and over an upper end of theprotruding portion, and that the geometry of the ferromagnetic component830 may be differently configured relative to the treatment coil 810.For example, the ferromagnetic component 830 may be configured such thatthe second end 834 of may be located near the back of the subject's headduring treatment, and the intermediate section 836 may be configured toat least partially conform to the geometry of the subject's head. Insuch a configuration, the intermediate section 836 may extend over thebase portion 814 of the treatment coil 810 and through an openingdefined by the protruding portion 816. Such a configuration of theferromagnetic component 830 may enable the TMS device 800 to exhibitincreases in corresponding electric fields induced by one or morecurrent levels delivered to the treatment coil 810 (e.g., in comparisonto the illustrated configuration of the treatment coil 830). In anotherexample, the ferromagnetic component may be configured to extend fromone side of the protruding portion 816 to the other, for example byextending around the upper end of the protruding portion 816, aroundeither opposed side of the protruding portion 816, or any combinationthereof.

It should further be appreciated that the ferromagnetic component 830may be configured to differently enclose at least a portion of thetreatment coil 810 (e.g., the protruding portion 816 of the treatmentcoil 810). For example, the ferromagnetic component may define aplurality of substantially straight (e.g., straight or slightly curved)intermediate sections between the first and second ends 832, 834 thatextend from one side of the protruding portion 816 to the other.

As shown, the first end 832 of the ferromagnetic component 830 isdisposed near, so as to partially enclose, a portion of the base portion814 of the treatment coil 810. The first end 832 may define asubstantially flat surface (as shown), or may be configured to conformto the corresponding portion of the base portion 814 of the treatmentcoil 810. The second end 834 of the ferromagnetic component 830 isdisposed near, so as to partially enclose, a portion of the protrudingportion 816 of the treatment coil 810. The second end 834 may define asubstantially flat surface (as shown), or may be configured to conformto the corresponding portion of the protruding portion 816 of thetreatment coil 810. It should be appreciated that the ferromagneticcomponent 830 is not limited to the illustrated configurations of thefirst and second ends 832, 834, and that the ferromagnetic component 830may be configured with one or both of the first and second ends 832, 834in any other suitable location relative to the treatment coil 810.

The TMS device 800 may be configured such that the treatment coil 810and the ferromagnetic component 830 are supported relative to eachother. For example, the TMS device 800 may be configured such that theferromagnetic component 830 supports the treatment coil 810. One or bothof the treatment coil 810 and the ferromagnetic component 830 mayinclude complementary attachment members (not shown) that are configuredto enable attachment (e.g., releasable attachment) of the treatment coil810 to the ferromagnetic component 830. For example, the first andsecond ends 832, 834 of the ferromagnetic component 830 may includeattachment members that are configured to be secured to complementaryattachment members supported by the base and protruding portions 814,816, respectively, of the treatment coil 810.

When the treatment coil 810 is supported by (e.g., attached to) theferromagnetic component 830, the treatment coil 810 may be electricallyisolated from the ferromagnetic component 830, for example using adielectric. As shown, the dielectric may be air, and the plurality ofwindings 812 may be spaced from the ferromagnetic component 730 when thetreatment coil 810 is attached to the ferromagnetic component 830. Thetreatment coil 810 may be attached to the ferromagnetic component 830using one or more attachment members that are made of any suitableelectrically isolating (e.g., dielectric) material.

When the treatment coil 810 and the ferromagnetic component 830 aresupported relative to each other in an assembled configuration, forexample as depicted in FIG. 8A, the protruding portion 816 of thetreatment coil 810 may be disposed in the loop defined by theferromagnetic component 830. When the treatment coil 810 and theferromagnetic component 830 are supported relative to each other in theassembled configuration, the treatment coil 810, for example respectiveportion of the base and protruding portions 814, 816, may be at leastpartially enclosed by the ferromagnetic component 830.

The TMS device 800, for example as configured and oriented relative to asubject as depicted in FIG. 8A, may be operated to cause the generationof a magnetic field in the subject's brain that may exhibit moreintensity in a frontal region of the subject's brain than in a dorsalregion of the subject's brain. When the TMS device 800 is orientedrelative to the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic field may bedistributed so as to be simultaneously resident in both the first andsecond hemispheres of the subject's brain.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 800 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 800 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portion of the magnetic fieldthat exhibits greater intensity is localized in a different location ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in the subject'sbrain).

A transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device may be configured to beadjustable and/or reconfigurable, for instance with respect to theanatomy of a subject. For example, a TMS device may be configured to beadjusted and/or reconfigured to conform to a location (e.g., on, in, ornear the subject) where TMS treatment will be applied. Adjusting and/orreconfiguring a TMS device may alter one or more characteristicsexhibited by a magnetic field generated by the TMS device duringtreatment (e.g., a stimulation volume of the magnetic field, adistribution of the magnetic field in the subject's anatomy, apenetration depth of the magnetic field, a focality of the magneticfield, a location of the magnetic field relative to the subject'sanatomy, or the like). For example, adjusting and/or reconfiguring a TMSdevice may allow the magnetic field generated by the TMS device to bedistributed and/or shaped (e.g., by volume) so as to target specificneuroanatomy in a subject's brain (e.g., one or more of theorbitofrontal cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), thesupplementary motor area (SMA), the auditory cortex, etc.).

FIG. 9 depicts a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 900 that isconfigured to generate a changing magnetic field in a target anatomy ofthe subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMS patient. Thetarget anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, brain tissue ofthe subject 50. The TMS device 900 may be configured to be adjustableand/or reconfigurable relative to an anatomy of the subject 50. Asshown, the TMS device 900 includes a plurality of treatment coils 910and a ferromagnetic component 930. The TMS device 900 may be disposedproximate to the subject's head 52 in preparation for or during TMStreatment, for example as shown in FIG. 9.

The TMS device 900 may be configured to be adjustable, for examplerelative to the anatomy of the subject's head 52. For example, theferromagnetic component 930 of the TMS device 900 may be configured tobe adjustable. The ferromagnetic component 930 may include multiplepieces. One or more pieces of the ferromagnetic component 930 may beconfigured so as to be adjustable relative to one or more other piecesof the ferromagnetic component 930. For example, the illustratedferromagnetic component 930 includes a first piece 940 and a secondpiece 950. The first and second pieces 940, 950 are configured to beadjustable (e.g., pivotally adjustable) relative to each other. Theferromagnetic component 930 (e.g., the first and second pieces 940, 950)may be made of any material that exhibits suitable ferromagneticproperties, such as powdered ferromagnetic iron particles.

The first piece 940 of the ferromagnetic component 930 defines a freeend 942, a constrained end 944 that is spaced from the free end 942 andattached to the second piece 950, and an intermediate section 946 thatextends from the free end 942 to the constrained end 944. The secondpiece 950 of the ferromagnetic component 930 defines a free end 952, aconstrained end 954 that is spaced from the free end 952 and attached tothe first piece 940, and an intermediate section 956 that extends fromthe free end 952 to the constrained end 954. As shown, the intermediatesections 946, 956 of the first and second pieces 940, 950 definerespective arced shapes. The intermediate sections 946, 956 may definean arc shape of the ferromagnetic component 930.

The first and second pieces 940, 950 of the ferromagnetic component 930may be configured to be adjustable relative to each other. As shown, therespective constrained ends 944, 954 of the first and second pieces 940,950 are joined together at a joint 960. The joint 960 may be configuredto enable one or more degrees of freedom in adjustment of the first andsecond pieces 940, 950 relative to each other. As shown, the joint 960is configured to enable adjustment in one degree of freedom, such thatthe first and second pieces 940, 950 may be pivoted relative to eachother about the joint 960. To illustrate, the first and second pieces940, 950 may be pivoted about the joint 960 such that the respectivefree ends 942, 952 are brought closer together or are moved furtherapart from each other (e.g., in a coronal plane). It should beappreciated that the ferromagnetic component 930 is not limited toadjustment via the illustrated degree of freedom. For example, theferromagnetic component 930 may be configured to be adjustable in adifferent single degree of freedom (e.g., in a transverse plane), or maybe configured to be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom (e.g., inboth coronal and transverse planes).

As shown, the first and second pieces 940, 950 have approximately thesame length (e.g., as defined by the free ends 942, 952 and theconstrained ends 944, 954, respectively), such that the joint 960 islocated substantially at a midpoint of the ferromagnetic component 930(e.g., equidistant from the free end 942 of the first piece 940 and freeend 952 of the second piece 950). It should be appreciated that theferromagnetic component 930 is not limited to the illustrated locationof the joint 960. For example, the joint 960 may be located along theferromagnetic component 930 (e.g., such that the first and second pieces940, 950 define different respective lengths).

The shape of the ferromagnetic component 930 may be changed by adjustingthe first and second pieces 940, 950. This may allow the ferromagneticcomponent 930 to better conform to the anatomy of the subject's head 52(e.g., to the shape of the subject's head 52). Adjusting theferromagnetic component 930 to better fit subject anatomy may improvethe efficiency of the TMS device 900. Adjusting the first and secondpieces 940, 950 may change the orientation (e.g., the position and/orspacing) of respective ones of the treatment coils 910 relative to eachother. Changing the shape (e.g., the arc shape) of the ferromagneticcomponent 930, and thereby the orientation of one or more of thetreatment coils 910, may alter one or more characteristics of a magneticfield generated by the TMS device 900 (e.g., in the subject's head 52).For example, adjusting one or both of the first and second pieces 940,950 of the ferromagnetic component 930 may enable the TMS device 900 tomaintain efficiency across a variety of head types (e.g., head shapes,sizes, etc.). The TMS device 900 may be configured to be adjustableand/or reconfigurable in preparation for and/or during TMS treatment.

It should be appreciated that the adjustable and/or reconfigurable TMSdevice 900 is not limited to the illustrated configuration of theadjustable ferromagnetic component 930. The ferromagnetic component 930may be configured so as to be differently adjustable. For example, theferromagnetic component 930 may be configured to include more than twopieces that may be joined together at more than two adjustable joints,such that the ferromagnetic component 930 is adjustable at multiplelocations. Each of the one or more adjustable joints may be configuredto enable adjustment in one or more degrees of freedom. Theferromagnetic component 930 may be monolithic and adjustable. Forexample, the ferromagnetic component 930 may be configured (e.g., duringfabrication) to define a flexible ferromagnetic component that enablesadjustability (e.g., relative to the subject's head 52).

The illustrated adjustable TMS device 900 has a plurality of treatmentcoils 910 that includes four treatment coils 910. Each treatment coil910 may be defined by one or more windings (e.g., a plurality ofwindings) that may be fabricated, for example, by wrapping anelectrically conductive material (e.g., copper wire) one or more timesaround an outer surface of the ferromagnetic component 930 (e.g.,directly onto the ferromagnetic component 930 or onto an intermediatemedium secured to the ferromagnetic component 930) at a respectivelocation. The treatment coils 910 may define respective windingdensities that are the same or different relative to each other.

As shown, each of the first and second pieces 940, 950 supports twotreatment coils 910. The treatment coils 910 may be spaced apart fromeach other (e.g., substantially equally spaced from each other) along alength of the ferromagnetic component 930 (e.g., as defined by the freeend 942 of the first piece 940 and the free end 952 of the second piece950). Additionally, the illustrated TMS device 900 is configured suchthat the respective attachment locations of the treatment coils 910 ofthe first piece 940 mirror the respective attachment locations of thetreatment coils 910 of the second piece 950, about the midpoint of theferromagnetic component 930. The illustrated treatment coils 910 arefixed in respective positions along the ferromagnetic component 930 andhave the same winding densities. It should be appreciated that theadjustable TMS device 900 is not limited to the illustratedconfiguration of treatment coils 910. For example, the TMS device 900may be configured with more or fewer treatment coils 910 in any suitablelocations along the ferromagnetic component 930.

The adjustable TMS device 900 may be configured such that one or moretreatment coils 910 are adjustable with respect to the ferromagneticcomponent 930. For example, the TMS device 900 may be configured suchthat one or more of the treatment coils 910 may be repositionable alongthe first and/or second pieces 940, 950 of the ferromagnetic component930 (e.g., repositionable between the between the free ends 942, 952 ofthe first and second pieces 940, 950). An adjustable treatment coil 910may be freely adjustable (e.g., between two opposed positions) or may beincrementally adjustable (e.g., between predefined positions that arespaced apart from each other).

The adjustable TMS device 900 may be configured with removable treatmentcoils 910. For example, the TMS device 900 may be configured such thatone or more of the treatment coils 910 are removable from theferromagnetic component 930. This configuration may enable the TMSdevice 900 to be reconfigured with respect to the treatment coils 910.For example, the configuration of the TMS device 900 may be changed byswapping out one or more treatment coils 910. To illustrate, a firsttreatment coil having a first winding density may be removed from theferromagnetic component 930, and replaced with a second treatment coil910 having a different (e.g., higher or lower) winding density. Theferromagnetic component 930 may include one or more markings, such as aplurality of markings, which may correspond to predetermined placementpositions for one or more treatment coils 910.

The adjustable TMS device 900, for example as configured and orientedrelative to a subject as depicted in FIG. 9, may be operated to causethe generation of a magnetic field in the subject's brain that mayexhibit a greater intensity in an upper region of the subject's brainthan in other regions of the subject's brain. The region of greaterintensity may be located in the subject's brain, near a midpoint alongthe ferromagnetic component 930 (e.g., as defined by the free ends 942,952), for example below the joint 960. When the TMS device 900 isoriented relative to the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic field may bedistributed so as to be simultaneously resident in both the first andsecond hemispheres of the subject's brain.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 900 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 900 may be differently orientedrelative to the subject, such that the portion of the magnetic fieldthat exhibits greater intensity is localized in a different location ofthe subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in the subject'sbrain).

One or more characteristics of the magnetic field generated by the TMSdevice 900 may be altered by adjusting the ferromagnetic component 930.Adjusting the ferromagnetic component 930 may broaden or narrow one ormore gaps between respective ones of the treatment coils 910. Forexample, if the ferromagnetic component 930 is adjusted such that thefree ends 942, 952 are moved toward each other, (e.g., closer to thesubject's head, such that respective spaces between the subject's headand one or both of the first and second pieces 940, 950 are reduced),the resulting magnetic field generated by the TMS device 900 may exhibitmore focality, and may exhibit decreased penetration depth. If theferromagnetic component 930 is adjusted such that the free ends 942, 952are moved away from each other, (e.g., further from the subject's head,such that respective spaces between the subject's head and one or bothof the first and second pieces 940, 950 are increased), the resultingmagnetic field generated by the TMS device 900 may exhibit lessfocality, and may exhibit increased penetration depth.

Adjusting the ferromagnetic component 930 may cause an electric fieldthat is induced by the magnetic field (e.g., generated by the TMS device900) to develop a saddle point. The saddle point may result fromadjusting the ferromagnetic component 930 such that a gap betweenrespective ones of the treatment coils 910 is broadened or narrowed. Forexample, such a gap may be defined between two treatment coils 910nearest the joint 960, the treatment coils 910 supported by the firstand second piece 940, 950, respectively. Such a saddle point may developunder the ferromagnetic component 930, in a location near the joint 960.The presence of a saddle point in an electric field induced by the TMSdevice 900 may enable orienting the TMS device 900 relative to subjectanatomy (e.g., relative to a subject's head during TMS treatment) so asto avoid stimulating a surface location located over a location to bestimulated, and/or may enable the stimulation of tissue below asensitive region of subject anatomy (e.g., a sensitive surface locationon the subject). Peak induced electric fields may remain at the surfacebut not above (e.g., directly above) a location of interest. Neighboringtissues with similar conductivities may receive higher current density.

Adjusting the ferromagnetic component 930 may reduce an air gap betweenthe TMS device 900 and the subject's head 52, which may increase (e.g.,maximize) the efficiency of the TMS device 900. Adjusting theferromagnetic component 930 may allow for the creation of a local zoneof lower electric field on a portion of the subject's anatomy (e.g., thesurface of the subject's head). This may allow for stimulation below asensitive surface location of the subject. Peak induced electric fieldsmay remain at the surface but not above (e.g., directly above) alocation of interest. Neighboring tissues with similar conductivitiesmay receive higher current density.

FIG. 10 depicts a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 1000 thatis configured to generate a changing magnetic field in a target anatomyof the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMS patient.The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, brain tissueof the subject 50. The TMS device 1000 may be configured to beadjustable and/or reconfigurable relative to an anatomy of the subject50. As shown, the TMS device 1000 includes a plurality of treatmentcoils 1010 and a ferromagnetic component 1030. The TMS device 1000 maybe disposed proximate to the subject's head 52 in preparation for orduring TMS treatment, for example as shown in FIG. 10.

The TMS device 1000 may be configured to be adjustable, for examplerelative to the anatomy of the subject's head 52. For example, theferromagnetic component 1030 of the TMS device 1000 may be configured tobe adjustable. As shown, the ferromagnetic component 1030 defines an arcshape that extends from a first end 1032 to an opposed second end 1034.The illustrated ferromagnetic component 1030 includes a plurality ofpieces 1036 that are configured to be releasably attached to each other.The ferromagnetic component 1030 may be adjusted, for example, by addingor removing pieces 1036. As shown, the plurality of pieces 1036 definerespective first through sixth segments 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080,and 1090 (i.e., 1040-1090) of the ferromagnetic component 1030. Thepieces 1036 of the ferromagnetic component 1030 (e.g., the first throughsixth segments 1040-1090) may be made of any material that exhibitssuitable ferromagnetic properties, such as powdered ferromagnetic ironparticles.

The first segment 1040 defines a first end 1042 that also defines thefirst end 1032 of the illustrated configuration of the ferromagneticcomponent 1030, and an opposed second end 1044. The second through fifthsegments 1050-1080 define first and second ends 1052 and 1054, 1062 and1064, 1072 and 1074, and 1082 and 1084, respectively. The sixth segment1090 defines a first end 1092 and an opposed second end 1044 that alsodefines the second end 1034 of the illustrated configuration of theferromagnetic component 1030. The first through sixth segments 1040-1090may define respective lengths (e.g., as defined by the correspondingfirst and second ends) that are the same or different with respect toeach other. As shown, the second and fifth segments 1050, 1080 haveapproximately the same length; the third and fourth segments 1060, 1070have approximately the same length; and the first and sixth segments1040, 1090 have approximately the same length. The second and fifthsegments 1050, 1080 are shorter than the first and sixth segments 1040,1090; the first and sixth segments 1040, 1090 are shorter than the thirdand fourth segments 1060, 1070.

The respective first and second ends of one or more of the first throughsixth segments 1040-1090 (e.g., the respective first and second ends ofeach piece 1036) may define corresponding first and second end surfaces(not shown) that may be angularly offset relative to each other. Forexample, the first and second end surfaces of the illustrated segmentsare angularly offset such that each segment defines a tapered, truncatedwedge shape that narrows with increasing proximity to the subject's head52. One or more of the segments may define first and second end surfacesthat are differently angled with respect to each other (e.g., parallelto each other).

The first through sixth segments 1040-1090 may be configured to bereleasably attached to each other. For example, one or both of the firstand second ends of each segment may define an attachment structure (notshown). The attachment structures of the segments may be configured toreleasably engage with each other, for example to secure theferromagnetic component 1030 in an assembled configuration. In theexample assembled configuration of the ferromagnetic component 1030depicted in FIG. 10, the second end 1044 of the first segment 1040 isreleasably attached to the first end 1052 of the second segment 1050,the second end 1054 of the second segment 1050 is releasably attached tothe first end 1062 of the third segment 1060, the second end 1064 of thethird segment 1060 is releasably attached to the first end 1072 of thefourth segment 1070, the second end 1074 of the fourth segment 1070 isreleasably attached to the first end 1082 of the fifth segment 1080, andthe second end 1084 of the fifth segment 1080 is releasably attached tothe first end 1092 of the sixth segment 1090. As shown, when the firstthrough sixth segments 1040-1090 (i.e., the plurality of pieces 1036)are releasably attached to each other, the ferromagnetic component 1030defines an arc shape.

The shape of the ferromagnetic component 1030 may be changed by addingor removing pieces 1036. This may allow the ferromagnetic component 1030to better conform to the anatomy of the subject's head 52 (e.g., to theshape of the subject's head 52). Adjusting the ferromagnetic component1030 to better fit subject anatomy may improve the efficiency of the TMSdevice 1000. For example, one or more segments may be removed and/orreplaced to change the configuration of the ferromagnetic component1030, that is, to reconfigure the ferromagnetic component 1030. In anexample illustration, the second and fifth segments 1050, 1080 may beremoved (e.g., detached) from the ferromagnetic component 1030. With thesecond and fifth segments 1050, 1080 removed, the second end 1044 of thefirst segment 1040 may be releasably attached to the first end 1062 ofthe third segment 1060, and the second end 1074 of the fourth segment1070 may be releasably attached to the first end 1092 of the sixthsegment 1090, such that the ferromagnetic component 1030 is assembled ina different configuration. In another example illustration ofreconfiguring the ferromagnetic component 1030, one or more segments maybe removed and replaced with respective segments having differentcharacteristics than the one or more removed segments. Such differingcharacteristics may include, for example, one or more of the length ofthe segment, the angular offset of the first and second end surfaces,differences in a treatment coil 1010 attached to the segment, or thelack of a treatment coil 1010.

Removing, adding, and/or replacing one or more pieces 1036 (e.g.,segments) of the ferromagnetic component 1030 may change the orientation(e.g., the position and/or spacing) of respective ones of the treatmentcoils 1010 relative to each other. Changing the shape (e.g., the arcshape) of the ferromagnetic component 1030, and thereby the orientationof one or more of the treatment coils 1010, may alter one or morecharacteristics of a magnetic field generated by the TMS device 1000(e.g., in the subject's head 52). For example, removing, adding, and/orreplacing one or more pieces 1036 of the ferromagnetic component 1030may enable the TMS device 1000 to maintain efficiency across a varietyof head types (e.g., head shapes, sizes, etc.). The TMS device 1000 maybe configured to be adjustable and/or reconfigurable in preparation forand/or during TMS treatment.

The illustrated adjustable TMS device 1000 has a plurality of treatmentcoils 1010 that includes four treatment coils 1010. The treatment coils1010 may be attached to respective pieces 1036 (e.g., segments) of theferromagnetic component 1030. Each treatment coil 1010 may be defined byone or more windings (e.g., a plurality of windings) that may befabricated, for example, by wrapping an electrically conductive material(e.g., copper wire) one or more times around an outer surface of arespective one of the segments of the ferromagnetic component 1030(e.g., directly onto the segment or onto an intermediate medium securedto the segment). The treatment coils 1010 may define respective windingdensities that are the same or different relative to each other.

The ferromagnetic component 1030 may be configured such that each piece1036 (e.g., each segment) includes none, one, or more treatment coils1010. As shown, each of the first, third, fourth, and sixth segments1040, 1060, 1070, and 1090 support a respective one of the treatmentcoils 1010. The treatment coils 1010 may be attached to respectivelocations along the first, third, fourth, and sixth segments 1040, 1060,1070, and 1090 such that the treatment coils 1010 are equally spacedfrom each other along the ferromagnetic component 1030. The illustratedtreatment coils 1010 are fixed in respective positions along the first,third, fourth, and sixth segments 1040, 1060, 1070, and 1090 and havethe same winding densities. It should be appreciated that the adjustableTMS device 1000 is not limited to the illustrated configuration oftreatment coils 1010. For example, the TMS device 1000 may be configuredwith more or fewer treatment coils 1010 in any suitable locations alongthe ferromagnetic component 1030 (e.g., such that one or more segmentsinclude more than one treatment coil 1010).

The adjustable TMS device 1000 may be configured such that one or moretreatment coils 1010 are adjustable with respect to the ferromagneticcomponent 1030. For example, the TMS device 1000 may be configured suchthat one or more of the treatment coils 1010 may be repositionable alongcorresponding segments of the ferromagnetic component 1030. Anadjustable treatment coil 1010 may be freely adjustable (e.g., betweentwo opposed positions along a segment) or may be incrementallyadjustable (e.g., between predefined positions along a segment that arespaced apart from each other).

The adjustable TMS device 1000 may be reconfigured with respect to thetreatment coils 1010. For example, the configuration of the TMS device1000 may be changed by removing one or more segments that includetreatment coils 1010 and replacing them with one or more segments havingdifferent treatment coils 1010. To illustrate, a segment having a firsttreatment coil with a first winding density may be removed from theferromagnetic component 1030, and replaced with a segment having atreatment coil 1010 with a different (e.g., higher or lower) windingdensity. One or more segments of the ferromagnetic component 1030 mayinclude one or more respective markings, such as a plurality ofmarkings, which may correspond to predetermined placement positions forone or more treatment coils 1010.

The adjustable TMS device 1000, for example as configured and orientedrelative to a subject as depicted in FIG. 10, may be operated to causethe generation of a magnetic field in the subject's brain that mayexhibit a greater intensity in an upper region of the subject's brainthan in other regions of the subject's brain. The region of greaterintensity may be located in the subject's brain, near a midpoint alongthe ferromagnetic component 1030 (e.g., as defined by the first andsecond ends 1032, 1034). When the TMS device 1000 is oriented relativeto the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic field may be distributed so asto be simultaneously resident in both the first and second hemispheresof the subject's brain.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 1000 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 1000 may be differentlyoriented relative to the subject, such that the portion of the magneticfield that exhibits greater intensity is localized in a differentlocation of the subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in thesubject's brain).

One or more characteristics of the magnetic field generated by the TMSdevice 1000 may be altered by adjusting the ferromagnetic component1030. For example, adding or removing one or more pieces 1036 of theferromagnetic component 1030 may change respective spaces between one ormore portions of the ferromagnetic component 1030 and a subject's head.In an example illustration, if one or more pieces 1036 are added to orremoved from the ferromagnetic component 1030, such that the first andsecond ends 1032, 1034 are moved toward each other (e.g., closer tosubject's head), the resulting magnetic field generated by the TMSdevice 1000 may exhibit more focality, and may exhibit decreasedpenetration depth. In another example illustration, if one or morepieces 1036 are added to or removed from the ferromagnetic component1030, such that the first and second ends 1032, 1034 are moved away fromeach other (e.g., further from the subject's head), the resultingmagnetic field generated by the TMS device 1000 may exhibit lessfocality, and may exhibit increased penetration depth.

Adding one or more pieces 1036 to, or removing one or more pieces 1036from, the ferromagnetic component 1030 may cause the magnetic fieldgenerated by the TMS device 1000 to become more focal or more diffuse,such that a volume and/or area of stimulated tissue may be adjusted(e.g., to target one or more specific regions of the brain). Adjustingthe ferromagnetic component 1030 (e.g., by adding or removing one ormore pieces 1036) may reduce an air gap between the TMS device 1000 andthe subject's head 52, which may increase (e.g., maximize) theefficiency of the TMS device 1000.

Adjusting the ferromagnetic component 1030 may allow for the creation ofa local zone of lower electric field on a portion of the subject'sanatomy (e.g., the surface of the subject's head). For example,adjusting the ferromagnetic component 1030 (e.g., by adding or removingone or more pieces 1036) may cause an electric field that is induced bythe magnetic field (e.g., generated by the TMS device 1000) to develop asaddle point. The saddle point may result from adjusting theferromagnetic component 1030 such that a gap between respective ones ofthe treatment coils 1010 is broadened or narrowed. For example, such agap may be defined between a treatment coil 1010 supported by the thirdsegment 1060 and a treatment coil 1010 supported by the fourth segment1070. Such a saddle point may develop under the ferromagnetic component1030, in a location near an interface between the second end 1064 of thethird segment 1060 and the first end 1072 of the fourth segment 1070.The presence of a saddle point in an electric field induced by the TMSdevice 1000 may enable orienting the TMS device 1000 relative to subjectanatomy (e.g., relative to a subject's head during TMS treatment) so asto avoid stimulating a surface location located over a location to bestimulated, and/or may enable the stimulation of tissue below asensitive region of subject anatomy (e.g., a sensitive surface locationon the subject). Peak induced electric fields may remain at the surfacebut not above (e.g., directly above) a location of interest. Neighboringtissues with similar conductivities may receive higher current density.

It should be appreciated that the adjustability features of theadjustable and/or reconfigurable TMS devices 900 and 1000 are notmutually exclusive, and that an adjustable and/or reconfigurable TMSdevice may be configured to include features from both TMS devices 900and 1000. For example a TMS device may include one or more pieces thatare joined to each other so as to be adjustable relative to each other(e.g., as depicted in FIG. 9), and may additionally include one or morepieces (e.g., segments) that are configured to be releasably attached toone another (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 10). A TMS device with such aconfiguration may be adjusted and/or reconfigured, for example, using acombination of the techniques described herein (e.g., relative to ananatomy of a subject, such as a subject's head).

FIG. 11 depicts an example distribution of electrical field currentsthat may be induced by an example TMS device 1100. The TMS device 1100may be an adjustable TMS device, such as the TMS device 900, the TMSdevice 1000, or another adjustable TMS device. The adjustable TMS device1100 may include one or more treatment coils 1110 (e.g., a plurality oftreatment coils 1110) and a ferromagnetic component 1130. Theferromagnetic component 1130 may be configured to be adjustable. Forexample, the ferromagnetic component 1130 may include first and secondpieces 1140 and 1150 that are adjustable with respect to each otheraround a joint 1160.

The TMS device 1100 may be operated such that the treatment coils 1110and the ferromagnetic component 1130 cooperatively generate a magneticfield in a target anatomy (e.g., the brain 80) of a human subject (e.g.,a TMS patient). The magnetic field may induce currents in a targetedstimulation volume of the subject's brain 80. When the TMS device 1100is operated, for example during TMS treatment, the stimulation volumemay include one or more regions that exhibit different levels of inducedcurrent (e.g., regions 81, 82, and 83) and/or induced return currents(e.g., regions 84 and 85).

Adjusting the ferromagnetic component 1130 may cause an electric fieldthat is induced by the magnetic field (e.g., generated by the TMS device1100) to develop a saddle point (e.g., saddle point 86). Theferromagnetic component 1130 may be adjusted such that a gap betweenrespective ones of the treatment coils 1110 is broadened or narrowed.For example, a gap 1170 may be defined between two treatment coils 1110that are nearest to the joint 1160, the treatment coils 1110 supportedby the first and second piece 1140, 1150, respectively. As shown, thesaddle point 86 may develop under the ferromagnetic component 1130,proximate to the joint 1160. The saddle point 86 may enable orientingthe TMS device 100 during TMS treatment (e.g., relative to a subject'shead) so as to avoid stimulating a surface location located over alocation to be stimulated, and/or may enable the stimulation of tissuebelow a sensitive region of subject anatomy (e.g., a sensitive surfacelocation on the subject).

FIG. 12 depicts a human subject 50 and an example TMS device 1200 thatis configured to generate a changing magnetic field in a target anatomyof the subject 50. The subject 50 may be, for example, a TMS patient.The target anatomy of the subject 50 may be, for example, brain tissueof the subject 50.

As shown, the TMS device 1200 includes a treatment coil 1210 and aferromagnetic component 1230. The TMS device 1200 may be disposedproximate to the subject's head 52 in preparation for or during TMStreatment, for example as shown in FIG. 12.

The ferromagnetic component 1230 may be configured such that thetreatment coil 1210 is spaced apart a distance D from one or morelocations of subject anatomy (e.g., from an upper surface of thesubject's head 52), such that heat transfer from the treatment coil 1210to the subject 50 is controlled. For example, the distance D may bedetermined such that heat transfer from the treatment coil 1210 to thesubject's head does not cause the skin temperature of the subject's head52 to exceed a predetermined threshold.

The ferromagnetic component 1230 may define any suitable shape. Asshown, the ferromagnetic component 1230 may include a rectangular upperportion 1231 that defines a first end 1232, an opposed second end 1233that is spaced from the first end 1232, and an intermediate portion thatextends between the first and second ends 1232, 1233. The ferromagneticcomponent may include one or more leg portions 1234 that may extenddownward from the upper portion 1231. As shown, the ferromagneticcomponent 1230 includes two leg portions 1234. Each leg portion definesan upper end that is supported by the upper portion 1231 and an opposedfree end 1235. A first one of the leg portions 1234 extends downwardfrom the first end 1232 of the upper portion 1231, and a second one ofthe leg portions 1234 extends downward from the second end 1233 of theupper portion 1231. The leg portions 1234 may be configured to at leastpartially conform to subject anatomy. For example, the free ends 1235 ofthe illustrated leg portions are angled to at least partially conform tothe shape of the subject's head 52.

The ferromagnetic component 1230 may be configured to support one ormore treatment coils 1210. As shown, the intermediate portion of theferromagnetic component 1230 is configured to support a treatment coil1210. The ferromagnetic component 1230 may be assembled from separatepieces (e.g., the upper portion 1231 and leg portions 1234), or may bemonolithic. The ferromagnetic component 1230, or one or more portionsthereof, may be made of any material that exhibits suitableferromagnetic properties, such as powdered ferromagnetic iron particles.

The TMS device 1200 may include one or more treatment coils 1210. Theillustrated TMS device 1200 includes a single treatment coil 1210. Thetreatment coil 1210 may be defined by one or more windings (e.g., aplurality of windings). As shown, the windings may be fabricated bywrapping an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper wire) one ormore times around an outer surface of the ferromagnetic component 1230(e.g., directly onto the ferromagnetic component 1230 or onto anintermediate medium secured to the ferromagnetic component 1230) at arespective location. In another example, one or more windings may beembedded in the ferromagnetic component 1230. The windings may includeone or more turns, and may have the same or different geometries. Itshould be appreciated that the TMS device 1200 is not limited to theillustrated treatment coil configuration. For example, the TMS device1200 may be configured with more treatment coils 1210 in any suitablelocations along the ferromagnetic component 1230.

The TMS device 1200 may be configured to be adjustable, such that thedistance D may be configurable. For example, the one or more legportions 1234 may be configured to be adjustable, such that therespective free ends 1235 of the leg portions 1234 may be moved closerto or further away from the upper portion 1231. Such reconfigurable legportions 1234 may be configured to be freely adjustable (e.g., betweentwo opposed positions) or may be incrementally adjustable (e.g., betweenpredefined positions that are spaced apart from each other). The legportions 1234 may be configured for manual length adjustment, automatedlength adjustment, or a combination thereof. The TMS device 1200 may beconfigured to be adjustable and/or reconfigurable in preparation forand/or during TMS treatment.

The adjustable TMS device 1200, for example as configured and orientedrelative to a subject as depicted in FIG. 12, may be operated to causethe generation of a magnetic field in the subject's brain that mayexhibit a greater intensity in an upper region of the subject's brainthan in other regions of the subject's brain. When the TMS device 1200is oriented relative to the subject 50 as shown, the magnetic field maybe distributed so as to be simultaneously resident in both the first andsecond hemispheres of the subject's brain.

It should be appreciated that the TMS device 1200 is not limited to theillustrated orientation relative to a subject (e.g., to the head 52 ofthe subject 50), and that the TMS device 1200 may be differentlyoriented relative to the subject, such that the portion of the magneticfield that exhibits greater intensity is localized in a differentlocation of the subject's anatomy (e.g., a different location in thesubject's brain).

Adjusting the ferromagnetic component 1230 by altering the distance Dbetween the treatment coil 1210 and the subject's head 52 (e.g., byadjusting the length of the leg portions 1234) may enable the control ofthe amount of heat transferred from the treatment coil 1210 to thesubject's head 52. For example, one or both of the leg portions 1234 maybe lengthened or shortened such that heat transfer from the treatmentcoil 1210 to the subject's head does not cause the skin temperature ofthe subject's head 52 to exceed a predetermined threshold.

The ferromagnetic component of a TMS device may be fabricated using anysuitable techniques and/or materials. For example, one or more of theferromagnetic components illustrated and described herein (e.g.,ferromagnetic components 130, 230, 330 a and 330 b, 430 a and 430 b, 530a and 530 b, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, and 1230) may be fabricatedto include a distributed air gap structure. Such a distributed air gapstructure may be created, for example, by dispersing powderedferromagnetic particles (e.g., iron particles) in a matrix of insulatingmaterial. In an example process for manufacturing the ferromagneticcomponent of a TMS device, individual ferromagnetic particles in apowder may be mixed with a binding material, for example phenolic orepoxy. The ferromagnetic powder and binding mixture may be formed into adesired shape of the ferromagnetic component (e.g., by a pressingprocess). The formed ferromagnetic component may be subjected to aheating process (e.g., a baking process) in order to cure the materialof the ferromagnetic component. The resulting ferromagnetic componentmay exhibit a distributed gap structure. This example fabricationprocess is explained in further detail in co-owned U.S. Pat. No.7,824,324, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

One or more components of a TMS device T (e.g., any of the TMS devices100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, or 1200) may beconfigured to control temperatures associated with operation of the TMSdevice (e.g., prior to and/or during TMS treatment). For example, theferromagnetic component of a TMS device may be configured for activecooling, passive cooling, or a combination thereof. For example, aferromagnetic component may be configured with one or more active orpassive heat transfer structures, such as heat sinks, openings (e.g.,holes), cooling fins, etc. Such structures may enable, for instance,convective cooling, conductive cooling (e.g., fluid cooling), chargecarrier transport, and so on. Such structures may be equipped withsensors (e.g., temperature sensors). A ferromagnetic component may beconfigured to be electrically and/or thermally insulating. In anotherexample, one or more treatment coils of a TMS device may be configuredfor active cooling, passive cooling, or a combination thereof. Forexample, one or more treatment coils of a TMS device may be configuredwith one or more active or passive heat transfer structures, such asheat sinks, cooling fins, etc. Such structures may be equipped withsensors (e.g., temperature sensors).

FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram depicting an example TMS system1300 that may be used to apply TMS treatment to a human subject (e.g., aTMS patient). The TMS system 1300 includes a TMS device 1302. In anexample implementation of the TMS system 1300, one of the example TMSdevices described herein (e.g., any of the TMS devices 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, or 1200) may be implemented asthe TMS device 1302. The TMS system 1300 further includes a controlcircuit 1304 that is in electrical communication with (e.g.,electrically connected to) the TMS device 1302. The TMS system 1300further includes a power source 1306 that is in electrical communicationwith (e.g., electrically connected to) the control circuit 1304. Thepower source 1306 may be, for example, an alternating current (AC) powersource or a direct current (DC) power source. The power source 1306 maybe a wired power source (e.g., a residential or commercial power source)or a portable power source (e.g., a battery, capacitor, or other energystorage device).

The TMS system 1300 may include a positioning apparatus (not shown) thatis configured to support one or more of the TMS device 1302, the controlcircuit 1304, and the power source 1306. The positioning apparatus maybe configured to enable secure (e.g., stabilized), adjustablepositioning of the TMS device 1302, for example proximate to a treatmentlocation on a subject (e.g., proximate to a subject's brain). Thepositioning apparatus may be, for example, a manipulable, repositionablearm to which the TMS device 1302 may be attached (e.g., removablymounted). Such a repositionable arm may be configured for manualadjustment (e.g., by a TMS treatment technician) and/or electronicadjustment (e.g., as a motorized, robotic arm). An electronicallyadjustable (e.g., robotic) arm may be configured for automatedrepositioning, for example based on feedback observed during a course ofTMS treatment.

The control circuit 1304 may be configured to deliver pulses ofelectrical current from the power source 1306 to the TMS device 1302(e.g., to one or more treatment coils of the TMS device 1302). Forexample, the control circuit 1304 may operate as a switch that deliverspulses of electrical current to the TMS device 1302 in accordance withthe opening and/or closing of the switch. If the TMS device 1302includes more than one treatment coil (e.g., in accordance with TMSdevices 300, 400, 500, 900, 1000, or 1100), the control circuit 1304 maybe configured to pulse the different treatment coils simultaneously, orin accordance with a predetermined sequence (e.g., sequentially,randomly, in a specified order, and so on). In such a configuration, theamount of current delivered in the pulses to the respective treatmentcoils may be the same or different.

The pulses of electrical current may cause the TMS device 1302 togenerate a changing magnetic field, for example in a subject that isundergoing treatment from the TMS system 1300. For example, the controlcircuit 1304 may be in electrical communication with (e.g., electricallyconnected to) one or more treatment coils of the TMS device 1302 (e.g.,the treatment coil 110 if the TMS device 100 is implemented as the TMSdevice 1302). Pulses of electrical current delivered to the TMS device1302 from the control circuit 1304 may energize the one or moretreatment coils, which may cause the one or more treatment coils togenerate the changing magnetic field in the subject.

If the TMS device 1302 is operated without the one or more ferromagneticcomponents (e.g., if the one or more ferromagnetic components areremoved from or otherwise omitted from the TMS device 1302), the one ormore treatment coils of the TMS device 1302 may generate a firstmagnetic field in a target anatomy of the subject (e.g., in thesubject's brain). The first magnetic field may exhibit a first set ofcharacteristics, for example a volume of tissue in the target anatomythat is stimulated (e.g., a first stimulation volume), a penetrationdepth in the subject at which effective TMS treatment is achieved (e.g.,effective penetration depth), varying levels of magnetic field intensitythat may induce varying levels of electrical field intensity in thesubject (e.g., such that electrical stimulation intensity levels near anouter surface of the subject's head vary from electrical stimulationintensity levels at the penetration depth), an electric field focalityin the subject that is associated with the first magnetic field, and soon. In an example where the target anatomy is brain tissue of thesubject, the stimulation volume may include, for example, a region(e.g., a three-dimensional volume) of cortical tissue within themagnetic field that is above a threshold of cortical stimulation.

A configuration in which the TMS device 1302 is operated without the oneor more ferromagnetic components may be referred to as an air coretreatment coil configuration. When the TMS device 1302 is operated insuch a configuration, the first magnetic field generated by the TMSdevice 1302 may exhibit characteristics (e.g., first characteristics)that may include, for example, variable induced electrical stimulationintensities at various locations in a corresponding first volume ofstimulated tissue, a first penetration depth (e.g., into the subject'sbrain), and a first electric field focality. Variable induced electricalstimulation intensities may include, for example, a first electricalstimulation intensity at a first location in or on the subject that isnear an outer surface of the subject (e.g., at the surface of thesubject's scalp, proximate to cranial nerves) and a second electricalstimulation intensity at a second location in the subject (e.g., in thesubject's brain) that is spaced inwardly from the first location (e.g.,at a greater depth in subject anatomy relative to the first location).The second location may be, for example near the effective penetrationdepth of the magnetic field. In an example where the target anatomy isbrain tissue of the subject, the first magnetic field may be distributedin the subject's brain such that the volume of brain tissue stimulatedby the first magnetic field simultaneously resides in both the first andsecond hemispheres of the subject's brain.

The strength of the first magnetic field may exhibit a gradient (e.g., afirst gradient) between two locations in subject anatomy (e.g., targetanatomy). The strength of the first magnetic field may be representativeof, for example, the magnetic flux density B of the first magneticfield. The first gradient of magnetic field strength may berepresentative of a ratio of respective electrical field intensitiesinduced by the first magnetic field at two selected locations in subjectanatomy. In an example where the target anatomy is brain tissue of thesubject, the first gradient of magnetic field strength may berepresentative of a peak dB/dt (time rate of change of magnetic fieldstrength) near an outer surface of the subject's head (e.g., at thefirst location) versus peak dB/dt at an appropriate reference point inthe subject's brain (e.g., at the second location).

When the TMS device 1302 is operated with the one or more ferromagneticcomponents attached to the corresponding one or more treatment coils,the treatment coils and the ferromagnetic components may operatecooperatively to generate a second magnetic field that may exhibitcharacteristics (e.g., second characteristics) that may differ from thecharacteristics exhibited by the first magnetic field. Suchcharacteristics may include, for example, variable induced electricalstimulation intensities at various locations in a corresponding volumeof tissue stimulated tissue by the second magnetic field (e.g., a secondstimulation volume that may be the same or different from the firststimulation volume), a second penetration depth (e.g., into thesubject's brain), and a second electric field focality. Variable inducedelectrical stimulation intensities may include, for example, a thirdelectrical stimulation intensity at the first location that may bedifferent from the first electrical stimulation intensity and a fourthelectrical stimulation intensity at the second location that may bedifferent from the second electrical stimulation intensity.

The strength of the second magnetic field may exhibit a gradient (e.g.,a second gradient) between two locations in subject anatomy (e.g.,target anatomy). The strength of the second magnetic field may berepresentative of, for example, the magnetic flux density B of thesecond magnetic field. The second gradient of magnetic field strengthmay be representative of a ratio of respective electrical fieldintensities induced by the second magnetic field at two selectedlocations in subject anatomy. In an example where the target anatomy isbrain tissue of the subject, the second gradient of magnetic fieldstrength may be representative of a peak dB/dt (time rate of change ofmagnetic field strength) near an outer surface of the subject's head(e.g., at the first location) versus peak dB/dt at an appropriatereference point in the subject's brain (e.g., at the second location).

The one or more ferromagnetic components may be configured such thatwhen the TMS device 1302 is operated with the one or more ferromagneticcomponents attached to the corresponding one or more treatment coils,cooperative operation of the one or more ferromagnetic components andthe one or more treatment coils causes the gradient of magnetic fieldstrength of the second magnetic field (e.g., the second gradient) todiffer from the gradient of magnetic field strength of the firstmagnetic field (e.g., the first gradient). For example, the one or moreferromagnetic components may be configured such that the second gradientof magnetic field strength is less than the first gradient of magneticfield strength (e.g., such that the first gradient is steeper than thesecond gradient between, when measured at the same two locations,respectively).

To illustrate, the one or more ferromagnetic components may beconfigured such that, in comparison to operation of the TMS device 1302in an air core treatment coil configuration, cooperative operation ofthe one or more ferromagnetic components and the one or more treatmentcoils causes the penetration depth of the second magnetic fieldgenerated by the TMS device 1302 to be effectively maintained relativeto the penetration depth of the first magnetic field (e.g., such thatthe second penetration depth is not shallower than the first penetrationdepth), while surface electrical stimulation intensity (e.g., near thecranial nerves) caused by the second magnetic field may be reducedrelative to the surface electrical stimulation intensity caused by thefirst magnetic field. For example, the electrical stimulation intensityexhibited by the second magnetic field at the first location (e.g., thethird electrical stimulation intensity) may be lower than the electricalstimulation intensity exhibited by the first magnetic field at the samelocation (e.g., the first electrical stimulation intensity). Theelectrical stimulation intensity exhibited by the second magnetic fieldat the second location (e.g., the fourth electrical stimulationintensity) may be effectively the same as the electrical stimulationintensity exhibited by the first magnetic field at the same location(e.g., the second electrical stimulation intensity). Reducing thesurface stimulation of the magnetic field generated by a TMS device(e.g., by creating a local surface reduction of the induced electricfield) may allow TMS treatment to be applied proximate to one or surfacelocations (e.g., on a subject's head) that may be sensitive toelectrical stimulation.

In another example, the one or more ferromagnetic components may beconfigured such that, in comparison to operation of the TMS device 1302in an air core treatment coil configuration, cooperative operation ofthe one or more ferromagnetic components and the one or more treatmentcoils causes the surface electrical stimulation intensity (e.g., nearthe cranial nerves) caused by the second magnetic field to beeffectively maintained relative to the surface electrical stimulationintensity caused by the first magnetic field, while the penetrationdepth of the second magnetic field generated by the TMS device 1302 isincreased relative to the penetration depth of the first magnetic field(e.g., such that the second penetration depth is deeper than the firstpenetration depth). For example, the electrical stimulation intensityexhibited by the second magnetic field at the first location (e.g., thethird electrical stimulation intensity) may effectively the same as theelectrical stimulation intensity exhibited by the first magnetic fieldat the same location (e.g., the first electrical stimulation intensity).The electrical stimulation intensity exhibited by the second magneticfield at the second location (e.g., the fourth electrical stimulationintensity) may be greater than the electrical stimulation intensityexhibited by the first magnetic field at the same location (e.g., thesecond electrical stimulation intensity). Maintaining the surfacestimulation of the magnetic field generated by a TMS device, whileincreasing the effective penetration depth, may enhance efficiency ofTMS treatment.

In an example where the target anatomy is brain tissue of the subject,the second magnetic field may be distributed in the subject's brain suchthat the volume of brain tissue stimulated by the second magnetic fieldsimultaneously resides in both the first and second hemispheres of thesubject's brain. For example, the second magnetic field may stimulate asecond volume of brain tissue in the subject's brain that substantiallycoincides with the first volume stimulated by the first magnetic field(e.g., such that the first and second stimulation volumes at leastpartially overlap each other). The first and second magnetic fields maystimulate volumes of brain tissue, for example, in a range ofapproximately two hundred fifty cubic millimeters (250 mm³) to threehundred seventy five cubic millimeters (375 mm³), for example a range ofapproximately two hundred seventy five cubic millimeters (275 mm³) tothree hundred fifty five cubic millimeters (350 mm³), such as a volumeof approximately three hundred cubic millimeters (300 mm³).

The respective focalities of the first and second electric fieldsinduced by the first and second magnetic fields, respectively, may beeffectively the same. For example, the second magnetic field may exhibita second electrical field focality that is slightly reduced incomparison to the first electrical field focality exhibited by the firstmagnetic field.

When the TMS device 1302 is operated with the one or more ferromagneticcomponents attached to the corresponding one or more treatment coils,the ferromagnetic component may enable the TMS device 1302 to be spacedfurther from the subject's head during treatment, for example incomparison to a spacing between the TMS device 1302 and the subject'shead when the TMS device 1302 is operated without the one or moreferromagnetic components (e.g. in accordance with an air core treatmentcoil configuration). This may protect the subject undergoing TMStreatment from temperature rise exhibited by the treatment coils. Theamount of energy used by a TMS device (e.g., during TMS treatment) maybe reduced if the TMS device includes one or more ferromagneticcomponents. This may mitigate temperature rise in one or more treatmentcoils of the TMS device.

The control circuit 1304 may be configured to pulse the TMS device 1302so as to generate a changing magnetic field. For example, the controlcircuit 1304 may be configured to deliver pulses of electrical currentto the TMS device 1302 in accordance with a predetermined pulseduration. The pulse duration may be determined, for example, inaccordance with a desired penetration depth into target anatomy (e.g.,into the subject's brain) that the magnetic field generated by the TMSdevice 1302 will exhibit.

In an example implementation of the TMS system 1300, the control circuit1304 may be configured to deliver pulses of electrical current to theTMS device 1302 in accordance with a pulse duration that is in a rangeof approximately one hundred fifty microseconds (150 μs) to two hundredfifty microseconds (250 μs), for example a range of approximately onehundred ninety microseconds (190 μs) to two hundred ten microseconds(210 μs), for example a pulse duration of approximately two hundredmicroseconds (200 μs). Pulse durations within this range may cause themagnetic field generated by the TMS device 1302 to exhibit a penetrationdepth of approximately two-point-eight centimeters (2.8 cm) tofive-point-five centimeters (3.5 cm), for example a penetration depth ofapproximately five centimeters (5 cm) (e.g., at least 5 cm). Thispenetration depth may be achieved, for example, when one of the TMSdevices described herein (e.g., any of the TMS devices 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, or 1200) is implemented as theTMS device 1302 and pulsed by the control circuit 1304 in accordancewith the described pulse durations.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an example TMS treatment process 1400. TheTMS treatment process 1400 may be performed using a TMS device, such asone of the example TMS devices described herein (e.g., any of the TMSdevices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, or1200).

At 1402, a TMS device may be selected for use in the TMS treatmentprocess 1400. The TMS device may have a static configuration (e.g., inaccordance with TMS devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and1200) or may have an adjustable and/or reconfigurable configuration(e.g., in accordance with TMS devices 900, 1000, and adjustableconfigurations of TMS devices 300, 400, and 1100). If the selected TMSdevice has a static configuration, the treatment process 1400 mayadvance to 1408. If the selected TMS device has an adjustable and/orreconfigurable configuration, the treatment process 1400 may advance to1404.

At 1404, a desired treatment configuration for the TMS device may bedetermined. This determination may be made based upon the anatomy of thesubject at a desired treatment location. For example, the determinationmay be made in accordance with one or more of a size of the subject'shead, a portion of the subject's brain that is to be treated, and thelike.

At 1406, the TMS device may be adjusted and/or reconfigured inaccordance with the determined treatment configuration. For example, ifthe TMS device 900 is selected as the TMS device for the treatmentprocess 1400, the ferromagnetic component 930 may be adjusted, forexample by adjusting the first and second pieces 940, 950. In anotherexample, if the TMS device 1000 is selected as the TMS device for thetreatment process 1400, the ferromagnetic component 1030 may bereconfigured by removing and/or replacing one or more pieces 1036 (e.g.,one or more of the first through sixth segments 1040-1090). Thetreatment process 1400 may advance to 1408 when the TMS device has beenadjusted and/or reconfigured in accordance with the determined treatmentconfiguration.

At 1408, the TMS device may be positioned in proximity to a desiredtreatment location on the subject (e.g., proximate to the subject'shead). For example, if the TMS device is mounted to a positioningapparatus, the positioning apparatus may be operated such that the oneor more treatment coils of the TMS device are disposed near a cutaneouslocation on the subject's head.

At 1410, the TMS device may be operated to generate a magnetic field inthe subject (e.g., in the subject's head). For example, a controlcircuit that is in electrical communication with the TMS device may beoperated to deliver pulses of electrical current to the TMS device. At1412, the magnetic field generated by the TMS device may be used tostimulate one or more portions of the subject's anatomy (e.g., one ormore portions of the subject's brain). In an example, the one or moreportions of the subject's brain may be stimulated in accordance with oneor more stimulation cycles, with each stimulation cycle including fiveseconds of stimulation followed by a five second rest period. Thestimulation may be performed at a frequency rate of approximatelyfifteen Hertz (15 Hz), for example.

The treatment process 1400 may include using the TMS device to determinea motor threshold location of the subject. The TMS device may beconfigured such that localization is not required during the motorthreshold location procedure. For example, the TMS device (e.g., any ofthe TMS devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100,or 1200) may be configured to generate a magnetic field in the subject'sbrain that stimulates a strip shaped region of the subject's brain(e.g., in an anterior-posterior direction) that encompasses the motorthreshold location. A motor threshold location may be determined usinglocalization of the TMS device. For example, the TMS device may be movedover an area of the subject's head until an indication of positioning isobserved (e.g., until the subject's thumb moves or twitches indicating amotor threshold location). The motor threshold location may bedetermined, for example, using a stimulation frequency rate ofapproximately one (1) Hz. From the motor threshold location, the TMSdevice may be moved to the desired treatment location on the subject. Inan example, the desired treatment location may be approximately fivecentimeters (5 cm) anteriorly from the determined motor thresholdlocation.

TMS devices, such as the example TMS devices described herein (e.g., anyof the TMS devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000,1100, or 1200), may be used to treat a number of conditions ordisorders, for example depression, incontinence, and weight controlissues. Such treatments may be applied to a subject, for example, usingthe example TMS devices in accordance with the example TMS treatmentprocess 1400. The example TMS devices may be used to treat otherconditions or disorders. For example, the TMS devices may be used in therehabilitation of muscles. The TMS devices may be used in the treatmentof peripheral nervous system disorders.

The example TMS devices may be used in one or more of the followingtreatment contexts, including major depressive disorder, epilepsy,schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, amyotrophiclateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease,attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity, bipolardisorder and/or mania, anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder with andwithout agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, acute stress disorder,generalized anxiety disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), pain (e.g., migraine, trigeminalneuralgia), chronic pain disorders (e.g., pain due to diabeticneuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia), idiopathic pain disorders (e.g.,fibromyalgia, regional myofascial pain syndrome), rehabilitationfollowing stroke (neuro plasticity induction), tinnitus, stimulation ofimplanted neurons to facilitate integration, substance-related disorders(e.g., dependence, abuse, and/or withdrawal diagnoses for alcohol,cocaine, amphetamine, caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, etc.), spinal cordinjury and regeneration and/or rehabilitation, head injury, sleepdeprivation reversal, primary sleep disorders (e.g., primary insomnia,primary hypersomnia, or circadian rhythm sleep disorder), cognitiveenhancements, dementias, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS), drugdelivery systems (e.g., changing cell membrane permeability to a drug),induction of protein synthesis (e.g., induction of transcription andtranslation), stuttering, aphasia, dysphagia, essential tremor, andeating disorders (e.g., bulimia, anorexia, binge eating).

It should be appreciated that the example TMS devices may be employedfor uses other than treatment applications. For example, the example TMSdevices may be used (e.g., in accordance with the example TMS treatmentprocess 1400) to perform diagnoses of one or more conditions in asubject. To illustrate, the example TMS devices may be used to diagnosea subject's response to drugs or other therapies, and/or may be used toquantify an effectiveness of such therapies. For example, apharmaceutical may be known to have effects (e.g., direct or secondaryeffects) on the performance of the central nervous system. Such effectsmay be observed using the example TMS devices, for example by providingTMS and observing one or more of evoked potentials, motor response,conduction velocities, or other responses. Observed changes in one ormore such response may be used, for example, to quantify a performanceof the pharmaceutical or to determine an optimal dosing of thepharmaceutical.

The example TMS devices may be used (e.g., in accordance with theexample TMS treatment process 1400) to perform diagnoses of one or morepathologies in a subject, for example by observing neurologicalresponse. Such pathologies may include, but are not limited to,degenerative diseases, extent of a traumatic injury, progression of adisease, systemic deficiencies, and congenital anomalies. To illustrate,the example TMS devices may be used in the diagnosis of, for example,compromised motor function, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,ALS, MS, diabetic neuropathy, chronic demyelinating neuropathy, acutedemyelinating neuropathy, epilepsy, vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g.,pernicious anemia), vitamin E deficiency, neurosarcoidosis, tinnitus,and stroke. The example TMS devices may be used to evaluate the efficacyof treatments for such pathologies. For example, the TMS devices may beused to assess and/or measure the effect of pharmaceuticals, for exampleanti-convulsives, Alzheimer's medications, anti-psychotics, painmedications, antianxiety medications, hypnotics (sedatives), analgesics(central), ADHD medications, or anesthetics.

It should be appreciated that the example TMS devices described herein(e.g., any of the TMS devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800,900, 1000, 1100, or 1200) are not limited to their illustratedconfigurations. For example, one or more components from a first one ofthe example TMS devices may be implemented in a second one of theexample TMS devices. In an example illustration, a ferromagneticcomponent that is configured similarly to the ferromagnetic component230 of the TMS device 200 may be substituted for the ferromagneticcomponent 130 of the TMS device 100. In another example illustration,one or both of the first and second treatment coils 410 a, 410 b of theTMS device 400 may be substituted for the corresponding first and/orsecond treatment coils 310 a, 310 b of the TMS device 300. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these and other differentconfigurations of the example TMS devices may be implemented withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the instant disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for treating or diagnosing a patient,the system comprising: a first stimulation coil and a second stimulationcoil, wherein the first and second stimulation coils are circularlyshaped; a first ferromagnetic component configured to at least partiallyreceive the first stimulation coil, and a second ferromagnetic componentconfigured to at least partially receive the second stimulation coil;and a control circuit in electrical communication with the first andsecond stimulation coils and configured to provide current to the firstand second stimulation coils to generate a magnetic field in a targetanatomy of a human subject; wherein conductive windings of the firststimulation coil are centered on a first axis, and windings of thesecond stimulation coil are centered on a second axis, wherein thesecond axis is angularly offset relative to the first axis; and wherein,when the first and second stimulation coils are configured adjacent thetarget anatomy of the human subject, the first and second axes passthrough a common point within the target anatomy of the human subject.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second ferromagneticcomponents are saucer shaped.
 3. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a bridge member that is configured to support the first andsecond ferromagnetic components relative to each other, wherein thebridge member is movably attached to the first ferromagnetic componentor the second ferromagnetic component.
 4. The system of claim 3, whereinthe bridge member comprises a first portion that is attached to thefirst ferromagnetic component and a second portion that is attached tothe second ferromagnetic component, wherein the first and secondportions of the bridge member are configured to slide past each other toadjust the relative position of the first and second stimulation coils.5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first ferromagnetic component atleast partially surrounds portions of the first stimulation coil, andthe second ferromagnetic component at least partially surrounds portionsof the second stimulation coil.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst ferromagnetic component defines an central opening that is alignedwith a central opening of the first treatment coil, and the secondferromagnetic component defines a central opening that is aligned with acentral opening of the second treatment coil.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the first treatment coil is attached to the first ferromagneticcomponent and electrically isolated from the first ferromagneticcomponent, and the second treatment coil is attached to the secondferromagnetic component and electrically isolated from the secondferromagnetic component.
 8. A system for treating or diagnosing apatient, the system comprising: a first stimulation coil comprising afirst plurality of windings, and a second stimulation coil comprising asecond plurality of windings, wherein the first and second stimulationcoils are circularly shaped; a first ferromagnetic component configuredto be partially received within the first stimulation coil, and a secondferromagnetic component configured to be partially received within thesecond stimulation coil; and a control circuit in electricalcommunication with the first and second stimulation coils and configuredto provide current to the first and second stimulation coils to generatea magnetic field in a target anatomy of a human subject; wherein thefirst plurality of windings are centered on respective axes that areangularly offset relative to each other; wherein the second plurality ofwindings are centered on respective axes that are angularly offsetrelative to each other; and wherein, when the first and secondstimulation coils are configured adjacent the target anatomy of thehuman subject, the respective axes of the first plurality of windingsand the respective axes of the second plurality of windings pass througha common point within the target anatomy of the human subject.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein respective angular offsets between adjacentones of the respective axes of the first plurality of windings are thesame, and wherein respective angular offsets between adjacent ones ofthe respective axes of the second plurality of windings are the same.10. The system of claim 8, wherein respective angular offsets betweenadjacent ones of the respective axes of the first plurality of windingscorrespond to respective angular offsets between adjacent ones of therespective axes of the second plurality of windings.
 11. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the first ferromagnetic component and the secondferromagnetic component define respective concave, saucer-shaped coilgeometries that encircle respective portions of a head of the humansubject.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the first ferromagneticcomponent at least partially surrounds portions of the first stimulationcoil, and the second ferromagnetic component at least partiallysurrounds portions of the second stimulation coil.
 13. The system ofclaim 8, wherein a portion of the first ferromagnetic component isreceived within an aperture defined by the first stimulation coil, and aportion of the second ferromagnetic component is received within anaperture defined by the second stimulation coil.
 14. The system of claim8, wherein the first ferromagnetic component comprises a recess thatdefines a shape that is similar to a corresponding winding of the firststimulation coil, and wherein the second ferromagnetic componentcomprises a recess that defines a shape that is similar to acorresponding winding of the second stimulation coil.
 15. A system fortreating or diagnosing a patient, the system comprising: a firststimulation coil comprising a first plurality of non-concentric windingscentered on respective axes, and a second stimulation coil comprising asecond plurality of non-concentric windings centered on respective axes,wherein the first and second stimulation coils are circularly shaped; afirst ferromagnetic component configured to be partially received withinthe first stimulation coil, and a second ferromagnetic componentconfigured to be partially received within the second stimulation coil;and a control circuit in electrical communication with the first andsecond stimulation coils and configured to provide current to the firstand second stimulation coils to generate a magnetic field in a targetanatomy of a human subject; wherein, when the first and secondstimulation coils are configured adjacent the target anatomy of thehuman subject, the respective axes of the first plurality of windingsand the respective axes of the second plurality of windings pass througha common point within the target anatomy of the human subject.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein respective angular offsets between adjacentones of the respective axes of the first plurality of windings aredifferent, and wherein respective angular offsets between adjacent onesof the respective axes of the second plurality of windings aredifferent.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein respective angularoffsets between adjacent ones of the respective axes of the firstplurality of windings do not correspond to respective angular offsetsbetween adjacent ones of the respective axes of the second plurality ofwindings.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the first plurality ofwindings are spaced closest together to each other on one side of thefirst stimulation coil and furthest apart from each other on an opposedside of the first stimulation coil, and wherein the second plurality ofwindings are spaced closest together to each other on one side of thesecond stimulation coil and furthest apart from each other on an opposedside of the second stimulation coil.
 19. The system of claim 15, whereinthe first treatment coil is attached to the first ferromagneticcomponent and electrically isolated from the first ferromagneticcomponent, and the second treatment coil is attached to the secondferromagnetic component and electrically isolated from the secondferromagnetic component.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the firstand second stimulation coils are configured to generate the magneticfield in a first and second hemisphere of the human subject's brain.